Upper Iowa's dance team competed for the first time this year at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association, or ISDTA, on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at the Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Peacock dance team members include Kayla Kelly, Alyssa Arce, Jordan Sekafetz, Molly Mulhern, Callie Taylor and Leah Ries. The team is coached by Head Cheer and Dance Coach Kaitlyn Connelly and Student Assistant Coach Bri Dahring.

UIU placed second in the NCAA Division II/III Jazz section with an average score of 81 and earned a Division I rating. The cumulative scores were the highest marks that the Peacocks have received at the ISDTA.

In 2019, Upper Iowa placed fifth in the College Division II/III Pom section with an average score of 79.67 and also earned a Division I rating.

Following the competition, Connelly said, "The dance team has been working on this routine since early fall. They showed a whole new level of dedication and commitment, and I think their preparation is what really took these ladies to the next level. The team went into this competition knowing that they had done everything they could to make this routine the best it could be. Seeing them perform in the arena really brought this routine to life and showcased the talent this team has. The performance and second-place finish was a big accomplishment for our program and for our team which has helped our recruiting efforts within the past week. I look forward to seeing what this team can do at nationals in April and what they will accomplish there."

The cheer and dance team is scheduled to compete at the College Classic in Orlando, Fla. on April 6-8. The dance team will perform their routine for the home crowd during halftime of the women's game on Saturday, Dec. 10.