The Elon dance team huddled on stage with linked arms, waiting to hear their placement in Division I pom at the 2026 National Dance Association’s College National Championships. When the announcer proclaimed Elon champions, the dancers burst into cheers, realizing they’d secured Elon’s first pom category win in program history.
The next day, they became two-time national champions with a first place finish in Division I hip hop.
Coming into the competition, their eyes were set on that first place trophy. Senior co-captain Bella Marrone said she remembered getting off the bus at Daytona Beach with her team and thinking about the opportunity ahead of them.
“One of my teammates looked at me, and she was like, ‘Can you imagine if we leave here with two rings?’” Marrone said. “It would be insane, but I just was like, ‘We are so capable of doing that.’”
Head coach Elly Dirks spoke earlier this year about her attempts all season to build confidence in her dancers leading up to the national competition. After the competition concluded, Dirks said the team’s mindset before going on stage made all the difference.
Dirks recalled taking time during rehearsals to recite positive affirmations and instill belief in her dancers. When talking with her team before their performance, Dirks said the dancers felt ready to take the stage.
“That continued throughout the week and really showed for itself on stage,” Dirks said. “I had parents and other fans there and other teams even just saying how they demanded the stage.”
At the 2025 competition, the dance team placed second in pom to Stephen F. Austin State University, a powerhouse in the pom category. Elon’s win this year stopped SFASU from winning its 20th national title.
“Going against those just phenomenal teams and ones who are just legends in the pom category and now being up there with them, it was an incredible feeling,” Dirks said.
Senior co-captain Olivia Ferranola said ending the season with two national titles was the perfect way to finish her time on the Elon dance team.
“Knowing I did everything I could and I put all four years into this moment, I was satisfied walking off, knowing that this was how I was going to end my chapter,” Ferranola said.
The dance team was welcomed back to campus on April 12 by friends, family and alumni. Ferranola said the recognition from the community meant a lot for the dancers.
“When you’re in the competition, you’re surrounded by people that are winning left and right,” Ferranola said. “Coming back here, where you’re celebrated for your win, representing your school, it means more to us to be recognized here than it does there. So I think coming back and having everyone there celebrating us when we got off the bus was just truly heartwarming.”
The dancers were also honored at the Elon baseball game against Winthrop University on April 14, where Marrone was selected to deliver a ceremonial first pitch.
Dirks said the team’s success this year has sparked a drive to top what she’s already accomplished.
“Let’s go set some more records,” Dirks said.