Ramapo Dancers Bring Home First National Title In 10 Years

MAHWAH, NJ — Months of practice, conditioning and pushing past self-imposed limitations paid off as the Ramapo College Dance Team rolled to victory at nationals.

Placing first in Division III Hip-Hop, and fifth in Division III Team Performance, the Ramapo dancers are thrilled to bring back a title for the first time in 10 years.

"What an incredible feeling," the team said in a social media post. "We fought until the very end for this win and couldn't be more humble and grateful."

Preparing for such a high-pressure competition was a challenge, physically and mentally, team captain Demi Rooyakkers said. However, the coaches, supporters and her teammates, she said, made this the most gratifying season, and makes the win that much more rewarding.

"There is no other team I would like to (have led) to a national championship victory," Rooyakkers said.

Rooyakkers, who joined the team as a freshman in 2020 — not particularly a "normal" transition year, she said —, added this was really her second "full" year and her first year as captain, and that though the role is a great responsibility, it has brought her closer to her teammates.

"(Being captain) has allowed me to truly express how passionate I am about the success of our team while still challenging myself and my teammates beyond any and all expectations," she said.

Aside from the natural talent her and her teammates have, she said, the girls have spent months working to become the best versions of themselves, and consider themselves a strong group of athletes comparable to any other sports team on campus.

"We are proud of the strides we took with (our hip-hop) routine this year," the team said. "Special thanks to all those who supported us unconditionally this season.

"We would not have made it without you."