The Dordt Defender dance program will open the exhibition portion of its schedule on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA) Championship.

The Defenders will have performers in the NAIA Jazz, NAIA Pom and NAIA Hip Hop divisions.

ISDTA Release (PDF)

The jazz performance will be at 11:48 a.m.; the pom performance is at 1:36 p.m.; and the hip hop performance will be at 3:48 p.m. Awards will be announced at 5:25 p.m.

"We have been working hard these past few weeks and months to bring three polished routines to compete with at State! We are not only excited to get out on the competition floor for the first time this year with this season's team, but we are excited to see all of the other amazing high school and college programs take the floor this week as well and together celebrate the 50th anniversary of ISDTA," said Dordt coach Mel Knobloch.

Dordt will open the competition portion of its schedule with the Dordt Invite on Jan. 24 and will conclude local competition on March 6–7 at the GPAC Championship.

One of the largest events of its kind in the nation, the ISDTA State Championship brings together high school and collegiate dance athletes for three days of high-energy performances and competition. Team competition categories include pom, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, military, kick, hoopla, lights, novelty, prop, color guard, co-ed and The M.I.X. Color guard teams perform on Wednesday, with high school and college dancers competing on Thursday and Friday. The annual event will also see 140 finalists competing in the ISDTA State Solo Championships.

Teams and soloists are divided into classes based on school enrollment. Performers earn points for choreography, execution, difficulty and showmanship. Routines are evaluated and judged by industry professionals from across the United States.