University of Dayton Irish Dance: Collegiate Irish Dance Nationals

The Project: University of Dayton Irish Dance (UDID) is competing at the 2026 Collegiate Irish Dance Nationals at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The gifts from the past two years have helped our team earn national recognition, winning first place in the fun number competition both years. This year, we aim to do it again in Madison, Wisconsin. Our team this year is composed of over 15 dancers who are eager to represent the University of Dayton at the competition. We will be competing in both team and solo competitions. To cover entry fees, costuming, and the cost of traveling to the competition, we are looking to fundraise through Flyer Funder, UD's crowdfunding platform. We are hoping to alleviate the stress of costs on individual team members and the University so that UDID can focus on representing the University of Dayton in the best way possible.

Who We Are: Established in 2007, UD Irish Dance offers college students the opportunity to share in their love for Irish Dance. The team is made up of students who have been dancing and competing since a young age, those who are still competing, and those who have never learned any Irish Dancing until joining the team. Although we have diverse backgrounds in experience, our team all shares one common goal of spreading the joy of Irish culture. The team offers a welcoming and encouraging environment to all. We've had the privilege this year to perform at two UD basketball games, various cultural events, and are scheduled to perform at multiple locations over the St. Patrick’s Day season. UDID has also hosted the Flyer Feis for multiple years, where collegiate Irish Dance teams travel to UD and compete against each other. Last year, UDID hosted the Collegiate Irish Dance Nationals and took home many team and solo awards, including first place in the fun number routine "Rockin Flyers". (Click here to watch our national winning routine.) This year, we are traveling to Madison, Wisconsin, and we are eager to once again represent the University of Dayton and defend our national titles.

The Impact: The University of Dayton strives to create a community where all students can pursue their passions and grow together and as individuals. UD Irish Dance creates a space and opportunity for those who are passionate about Irish Dance to come together. UDID is a welcoming environment and represents the vast Irish heritage on campus. Traveling and participating alongside other Irish Dance collegiate groups allows us to showcase talent and hard work. It raises awareness about UDID and draws others to the team who want to be a part of a community that celebrates Irish heritage.

What Your Gifts Will Do: The funds raised will be used to cover the cost of traveling to nationals, entry fees, and costuming. It will allow the team to represent the University of Dayton in the best way possible. Eliminating the stress of costs on individual members of the team and UD will allow for complete focus on perfecting the competition pieces that will be performed. Funds for entry fees will allow the team to compete both in group and individual competitions.

Share This Message: We appreciate any sharing of this page on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media. For more information about our team, visit our Instagram (@udirishdance) and TikTok (@udirishdance). If you have any questions, email udaytonirishdance@gmail.com.

Thanks for Your Support! Our team greatly appreciates any support that will help ensure a successful competition. The team is extremely grateful for the opportunity to compete at the 2026 Collegiate Irish Dance Nationals. UDID has been putting endless hours into practice and choreography, and any support will go a long way. Thank you!