Just a few weeks ago, the BYU Cougarettes took to social media to announce they will be attending the Cruisin' with the Cougs event this spring.
While the 26-time national champions will be on board a ship from April 11-18, they will consequently miss the annual NDA Nationals competition in Daytona Beach, Florida, to be held April 9-13.
The Cougarettes have attended NDA Nationals for more than 25 years and have built a well-earned legacy for themselves.
In their division, these dancers have won first place in both jazz and hiphop for three years in a row, which is something that has never been done before. In just four years, they have secured seven national titles for BYU.
🏆 Back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back...
— BYU (@BYU) April 15, 2024
Never gets old.
Over the weekend, the BYU Cougarettes added national titles #25 and #26 to their resume for their Jazz and Hip Hop routines. Here's a closer look at their winning Jazz number🔥 pic.twitter.com/nESMSXF6IW
Cougarette fans everywhere are wondering, why not nationals? Co-coach Morgan St. Pierre answered that question.
"(Co-coach) Stacy (Bills) and I are always looking for an opportunity to provide the Cougarettes with various dance experiences," St. Pierre said.
She added that the team loves competing and is not saying goodbye to national competitions.
"We hope to be back next season," St. Pierre said.
For Cruisin' with the Cougs, BYU is reserving an entire ship that will include as invited guests a variety of sports figures like athletic director Tom Holmoe; coaches Kalani Sitake and Jennifer Rockwood; and former BYU star athletes like Jimmer Fredette, Jim McMahon and Austin Collie.
Fans are invited to meet and mingle with these legends on the cruise. The ship will set sail on a seven-night journey to the Mexican Riviera.
The Cougarettes plan to perform at the opening ceremony and closing party of the cruise. They also plan to host a dance masterclass on board in which participants can take class from the dancers. In addition, they will be performing a condensed version of their annual concert show on deck.
“We are so stoked for this new experience as a team ... for bonding and to be able to meet BYU fans," said president and team member Elena Wright.
As for this fall, the Cougarettes are scheduled to perform another hype timeout routine at the next BYU football home game on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
On Oct. 26, the team will host a fall sports intensive clinic for younger dancers who would like the opportunity to receive some hands-on experience with the Cougarettes.
The Cougarettes will also be preparing for their upcoming concert performances in February. They will showcase choreography of many different styles such as jazz, hiphop, musical theater, modern and much more.
Though the Cougarettes won't be on the stage in Daytona Beach this spring, they will showcase their talents for Cougar Nation on the BYU cruise.