Featured Image: The Eta Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta competes in the Line Dance competition at the Skyhawk Fieldhouse on March 7, 2026. (Photo Credit / University of Tennessee at Martin Facebook page)

The annual Greek Fest Line Dance at the University of Tennessee at Martin brought high energy, bright colors and months of preparation to the Skyhawk Fieldhouse on March 3 at 7 p.m.

Line Dance is a longstanding fraternity and sorority life tradition at UT Martin. Organizations compete in choreographed routines performed around a large square, blending synchronized steps, creative formations and crowd engagement. The competition is known for its intensity and showmanship, far from a traditional line dance.

Students filled the stands as fraternities and sororities from multiple councils showcased routines they had practiced for weeks. Each group aimed to stand out with precision, personality and unity.

For Daviona Gbee, a senior and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., this year’s performance carried special meaning.

“What makes my performance unique is the fact that I was able to do this with my sisters for the last time before I graduate,” Gbee said. “We were able to bring that ‘kaptivating’ energy and have fun while doing so.”

Gbee said events like Line Dance highlight more than choreography.

“Events like this really showcase my organization’s value of community and togetherness,” she said.

She added that the competition fosters unity beyond individual chapters.

“Line Dance helped my chapter with unity through networking with other councils,” Gbee said. “It helped us understand that though we may be a part of different organizations, events such as this help us to share our diverse styles and traditions.”

First-year students also experienced the tradition for the first time. Rory Long, a first-year student and member of Alpha Gamma Rho, said participating in Line Dance exceeded his expectations.

“It was amazing. I loved every second of it,” Long said. “I will definitely come back again next year.”

Long also said the environment created during the event reflects the broader values of Greek life on campus.

“I think the environment we build here is just wonderful,” he said. “All of Greek life here is so appreciated. I feel like we all try to do our best for the community and for the school itself.”

Preparation for the event required significant commitment. Long said his organization practiced for about two months, meeting two or three days a week.

“We’ve been practicing since the first month of the semester,” said Long.

Kara Preston, a junior UT Martin student and member of Alpha Delta Pi said the event required hard work but was ultimately rewarding.

“I had so much fun during this event,” said Preston. “It was really tiring, a lot of hard work put into it, but it was pretty good.”

When asked about the highlight of the experience, Preston emphasized the bond formed during preparation.

“Getting ready with my sisters and also just practicing and trying to get it good,” said Preston. “Even though if we mess up, we mess up. I just believe that we should just have a good time, and that’s exactly what happened.”

At the conclusion of the competition, winners were announced across council divisions.

In the Collegiate Panhellenic Council sorority division, third place went to Chi Omega, second place to Alpha Omicron Pi and first place to Zeta Tau Alpha.

In the Interfraternity Council division, third place was awarded to Pi Kappa Alpha, second place to Kappa Alpha Order and first place to Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

In the National Pan-Hellenic Council sorority division, third place went to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., second place to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and first place to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

In the National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity division, first place was awarded to Alpha Phi Alpha.

As music echoed through the Skyhawk Fieldhouse and students cheered from the stands, the night reflected more than competition. It showcased months of discipline, collaboration and pride across Greek organizations on campus.

While trophies and bragging rights are part of the tradition, participants said the true reward lies in unity both within chapters and across councils. For seniors like Gbee, it marked a final performance with lifelong friends. For first-year students like Long, it was the beginning of a tradition they hope to continue.

Greek Fest Line Dance once again proved to be one of the most anticipated and spirited events of the spring semester at UT Martin which reinforced a sense of community that extended well beyond the square on the floor.