TOPEKA, Kan. — The Hope International Dance Team etched its name into program history this weekend, making its first-ever appearance at the NAIA Competitive Dance National Championship and finishing seventh overall in the nation.
Competing against some of the most established programs across the country, the Royals delivered a strong and confident performance on the national stage, earning a final score of 84.64. In a highly competitive field, Hope International held its own and proved it belongs among the NAIA's top programs.
The 2026 NAIA Competitive Dance National Championship final standings were as follows:
- St. Ambrose (Iowa) – 93.37
- Midland (Neb.) – 93.10
- Viterbo (Wis.) – 93.04
- Grand View (Iowa) – 90.01
- Oklahoma City – 89.30
- Doane (Neb.) – 86.59
- Hope International (Calif.) – 84.64
- Concordia (Neb.) – 84.26
- Baker (Kan.) – 83.18
- Loyola (La.) – 79.61
- Aquinas (Mich.) – 79.27
- Bethel (Kan.) – 78.72
"This moment is incredibly special for our program," said Head Coach Christina Remijio. "To step onto the national stage for the first time and finish in the top 10 is a huge accomplishment. Our team showed resilience, heart, and a commitment to excellence every step of the way. Throughout the entire season, we stayed locked into our small, daily goals—and because of that, we were able to accomplish every single one of our bigger goals. This year was a true reflection of their discipline, belief, and relentless work ethic."
From early morning practices to the pressure of performing on a national stage, the Royals demonstrated growth, discipline, and unity throughout their season. Their performance at nationals reflected months of preparation and a relentless pursuit of raising the standard for Hope International Dance.
As one of the newer programs in the NAIA dance landscape, this milestone marks a significant step forward and sets the tone for the future. With a national appearance now under their belt, the Royals are poised to continue building momentum and climbing the ranks in the years ahead.
