LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Queens College dance team competed recently at the UDA College National Championships, and the Knights were semifinalists in both the jazz and pom divisions.

Head coach Shawn Garnier's squad had 14 participants, and according to him, the team delivered routines that were entertaining and executed to the best of their abilities. The Knights took home a pair of awards for superior performance.

“I was very pleased with our performance,” said Garnier. “The team did an amazing job considering 10 of the 14 dancers had not yet been on the national dance stage. It has now lit a fire in their hearts to advance into the finals (in 2013).”

Over 100 teams competed in the various categories, including jazz, hip-hop, pom, co-ed cheer, all-girls cheer, partner stunts and mascot. The Queens College dance team, which will release details on some community service projects in the near future, performs at virtually all men's and women's basketball home games at Fitzgerald Gymnasium, and looks forward increasing school spirit the rest of the season.

Additionally, QC will be starting a cheerleading squad this spring. Any interested students in either the dance or cheerleading teams should contact Garnier (shawn.garnier@qc.cuny.edu) for clinic dates and auditions.