Cortland Danceworks claims national championship

04/15/2026

Cortland Danceworks , the university's student-led hip hop dance team, recently claimed the title of best in the country for the second time in its history.

The SUNY Cortland team finished first in the Division III Hip Hop category at the College Classic National Championship in Orlando on April 12.

"The excitement, the screaming, the tears, just pure happiness," said senior captain and team president Morgan Shevlin. "It honestly felt like the best feeling in the world. In that moment, everything we had worked for became real."

Danceworks beat out eight other teams from around the country to claim an honor they also won in 2022 .

As a sport club, Danceworks funds their own experiences and training, which limits their chances to make the trip to the annual College Classic. So when they're able to go, the team looks to execute.

"We pushed ourselves harder than ever before, both physically and mentally, and no one backed down from that," said Shevlin, a business economics major.

After the routines finished, nerves were high. Teammates waited until they heard Danceworks was named best in its category.

National champion jackets and rings for each member will commemorate the win for a lifetime, along with a trophy and banner they brought back to campus.

Before awards were handed out, they also received another honor: an invitation to face off against other top teams at the tournament. Danceworks was the only Division III team among the 13 chosen for that competition, and one of only three hip-hop routines.

"All the long nights, the exhausting practices, the sacrifices, it all paid off," Shevlin said. "It was one of those moments you wish you could freeze forever, because nothing compares to that feeling."

Danceworks performs at Cortland football games and other campus events in the fall, then competes against other schools each spring. There are 28 students total on the team, with 20 who performed at nationals. The team's main focus is hip hop dance because it showcases their style, energy and ability.

Earning the title wasn't easy. Shevlin described a schedule of up to six practices a week that can end around 11 p.m. But for those who put in the effort, the team provides an opportunity to grow as a person and make close friends.

In her view, this was the best season for Danceworks yet.

"We were constantly making changes, taking corrections seriously and focusing on every single detail," she said. "The environment this year felt different. It was more focused, more driven, and more united than ever before.

"Everyone truly wanted it, and when you have a group of people all working toward the same goal with that level of intensity, it makes a huge difference."

Even with the national honor, Danceworks members plan to continue reaching higher.

"This year was truly exceptional and one of the best years this program has ever seen," Shevlin said. "It finally feels like this amazing team is getting the recognition it truly deserves, and it's really exciting to be part of something that continues to grow and elevate year after year."