After many months of preparation, the Iowa State Gold Dance Team placed third in the National Dance Alliance Nationals in Daytona, Fla.

The team’s goal was to place in the top five in their division. Placing third is the best Iowa State has ever done at the national competition.

“I am ecstatic and extremely proud of the girls,” said coach Jill Petersen. “The preliminary routine was the best I had ever seen them dance together as a team.”

Petersen, as well as captains Elise Pederson, senior in marketing, and Christie Cutter, junior in marketing, said their goal for the team was for them to dance with confidence, as well as placing in the top five. After the preliminary round Iowa State was in third place going into the finals.

Iowa State competed in the Division 1A competition against 16 other universities from around the country.

“This year we went to Daytona with a different attitude,” Pederson said. “We went into nationals with the idea of being as confident as possible, and really owning our routine.”

“Finals was fun and we all just wanted to enjoy every minute of it. It was definitely a memorable season, and I cannot wait to see how this program continues to succeed in the future.”

Many universities do not see Iowa State as a contender, Petersen said, but now they are.

“It was definitely a great feeling knowing that our hard work was being recognized, and we are finally being recognized as a talented team,” Pederson said.

The team’s win comes after many months of practice, intense fitness workouts and performances, all starting last July. Petersen believes keeping the team’s confidence high will help to continue their success at the state and national level.

“The goal for next year would be to continue on this progression and build up the team’s technique and performance,” Petersen said.

The team is already working toward next year, and will have tryouts for the 2011-2012 season April 30 and May 1.