The Penn State Lionettes are slowly putting together quite the dynasty, and will compete to defend their third consecutive National Championship this weekend.

The group is competing in the team dance category at the National Dance Alliance College Nationals in Daytona, Fla. Team dance is comprised of three technical dance styles: jazz, hip-hop, and pom, said team member Alicia Popescu.

“It is twice as long as our normal routines and involves acrobatic tricks, lifts, turns, and jumps,” she said.

The Lionettes arrived in Daytona last night, and will practice all day before the preliminary round competition for their division. They’ll then perform at approximately 11:11 a.m. on Thursday, along with the other 11 schools in that division. Of those, six will go to the finals. The six winners will only have 24 hours before they perform in the finals at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. The performances will start around 11:30 a.m. on Friday and go until the awards ceremony at noon, when the winners will be announced.

The team will compete in the NDA College Nationals’ Division IA, which is considered the premier competition for large universities. Penn State, Louisville, Iowa, and South Carolina are considered four of the strongest squads.

“We never know who could bring an amazing routine this year,” Popescu said. “We feel really excited and confident in our routine. It is by far the most challenging and unique choreography we have ever had.”

The NDA will have a live stream of the finals on Friday on its website. Make sure to tune in as the Lionettes chase their fourth consecutive title.

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