Almost every dancer’s dream is committing to a university for dance. Izzy Gordon recently made that dream a reality through her commitment to the University of Minnesota Dance Team.  

Izzy Gordon became interested in dance because of her older sister, Emma Gordon. Emma Gordon was a dancer and Izzy felt inspired by her. Dance strengthened the bond between these two sisters.

Izzy Gordon grew up watching her sister at dance competitions. At one of these competitions, she witnessed the University of Minnesota Dance Team. “I was so mesmerized. Ever since the first time I saw them, I have strived to be a better dancer,” said Gordon. 

Starting at the age of three, she began dancing at Just For Kix Dance Studio. One of the teachers there decided to start her own studio, and Gordon followed her. She still trains at Evolution Dance Company in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and more. 

In middle school, Gordon joined the middle school dance team which led her into the high school dance team a year later. She trained with them for three years before ending her senior season to prevent injuries and focus on her training.

Throughout those years, Gordon also competed with Miss Dance Team, an organization created to showcase some of Minnesota’s best dancers. The selective group competes in California every spring. She has competed with the USA team for the last four years and earned the title of Miss Dance team Teen USA back in 2023. 

Gordon has dedicated most of her life to dance. Gordon says that she would not be where she is today without her role model Tina Folstad. “Tina has truly pushed me like no other. I would not be the dancer and human I am today without her,” said Gordon. 

Recently, the University of Minnesota Dance Team, one of the most successful collegiate dance programs in the United States, offered Gordon a spot on their team. “I am most excited about being a part of a team that lots of people look up to and get inspired by,” said Gordon. Gordon has been a huge U of M fan for years. Watching the team heightened her passion for dance. 

Another role model of Gordon’s comes from her coach, Maddy Vercelli. Vercelli just finished her third year on the University of Minnesota Dance Team. “We value striving to create a positive and uplifting culture that is built on unity as one team working hard toward one common goal,” said Vercelli. Vercelli says that she hopes for Gordon to feel a sense of family like never before. 

Gordon also gave strong advice to younger dancers who looked up to her. “Living in the moment and being very present is so important because it will all go by so fast,” she said.

“I think taking it all in and always striving for perfection is essential because I will never regret working hard,” said Gordon. 

 “I am honored to be wearing the letter M on my chest for the next four years.”