There are some performances that take your breath away from the first beat.
The LSU Tiger Girls’ routine at the 2024 UDA College Nationals was exactly that.
Held in Orlando, Florida, the dance team from Louisiana State University left everyone in awe, clinching the Hip Hop Championship title.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement even before the music began, and by the end of the performance, it was clear why they had just delivered something extraordinary.
The Tiger Girls’ winning routine was inspired by one of the most iconic performances in music history—Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”
Dressed in sharp white suits and fedoras, they stepped onto the stage with a commanding presence, immediately reminding the audience of Jackson’s unforgettable style.
From the start, it was a visual nod to the King of Pop, setting the tone for what would be a thrilling display of skill and homage.
As soon as the music started, the energy in the room exploded.
The dancers launched into a routine that blended classic hip-hop moves with Jackson’s signature choreography, creating a spectacle that had the crowd roaring from beginning to end.
Every beat hit with perfect timing, and the atmosphere was electric.
The team effortlessly captured the essence of MJ’s style, all while delivering a fresh, high-energy performance.
“Smooth Criminal,” released in 1988 as part of Jackson’s “Bad” album, became famous not just for its catchy beat but also for the groundbreaking dance moves featured in the music video.
From the sharp, angular choreography to the infamous forward-lean, it set a new bar for what a music video could do.
Jackson’s ability to blend storytelling with dance was revolutionary, and “Smooth Criminal” became a cultural phenomenon.
It’s no wonder the LSU Tiger Girls chose this track to anchor their routine—it gave them a chance to pay tribute to a legend while showing off their own skills.
The precision in the Tiger Girls’ routine was incredible, with every dancer moving as if they were one.
The synchronization was flawless, making it look effortless as they executed the smooth, slick moves Jackson was known for.
The dedication and practice that went into such a seamless performance were obvious, and every second of the routine was mesmerizing.
The routine didn’t just captivate the live audience—it left viewers at home just as amazed.
Comments poured in across social media, with fans expressing their admiration for the team’s execution.
One viewer wrote, “This was crazy. Who choreographed this?? The precision, the formations, the sections, their pop locking. They did such a good job at embodying the energy and elements of choreo from the music video. This was better than award show tributes.”
Another couldn’t get enough, saying, “The most amazing performance! They are all just outstanding. I’ve watched this at least 100 times.”
The Tiger Girls’ hard work paid off in a big way, as they scored an impressive 97.2222 to secure the national championship.
This marked their third national title, cementing their place as one of the top collegiate dance teams in the country.
Their ability to consistently deliver high-level performances speaks to their talent, discipline, and the strong team culture they’ve built over the years.
It’s no wonder they continue to dominate on such a prestigious stage.
Another viewer summed up the performance perfectly.
“This was 100% deserved. Fun, on point, different elements thrown in—not just MJ dancing… it was one of those routines that gets the entire audience going, even if you’re rooting for a totally different team. THAT’S one of the ways that separates a championship routine from first runner up.”
It’s clear that the Tiger Girls have set a new standard for what a winning routine should look like, blending creativity, technical skill, and showmanship to create something truly special.
Watch their phenomenal performance in the video below!
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