With the University of Minnesota  @gophersports  and The Ohio State University  @ohiostatedanceteam3290  we have Amanda Gaines and Melissa McGhee!

Major THANK YOU to our Sponsor,  @DanceTeamUnion . Head to www.danceteamunion.com to learn more about Summer Camps, Regionals and Nationals!

Follow us: @nocountsgiven on social media platforms, or visit our website www.nocountsgiven.com

Follow Melissa McGhee and The Ohio State University Dance Team @mmcghee65 @ohiostatedanceteam

Follow Amanda Gaines and the University of Minnesota Dance Team @amandagaines_ @uofmdanceteam

In this episode of No Counts Given, we're joined by two powerhouses in the collegiate dance world: Melissa McGhee from The Ohio State University and Amanda Gaines from the University of Minnesota.

We dive into the social media "rivalry" between OSU and UMN, explore the evolving landscape of UDA Nationals, and discuss what it takes to set the standard in competitive college dance.

From training with intention to the impact of choreographic choices like switching from “This Woman’s Work” to “Lose Yourself to breaking down the controversial leaked OSU Pom video, debate artistry vs. athleticism, and talk about dance team, recruiting practices, and navigating the elite dance team world.

Whether you're a coach, dancer, alum, or fan of performance cheer and college dance teams, this episode delivers unmatched behind-the-scenes access and perspective from two of the sport’s most respected voices.

Chapters:

(0:00) Episode Intro

(0:10) Flight Contest for 2026 DTU Nationals

(1:05) Welcome to No Counts Given

(4:11 Amanda Gaines and Melissa McGhee Intro

(6:27) Who is Amanda Gaines?

(7:46) Who is Melissa McGhee?

(8:34) Respected Rivalry: Minnesota vs. Ohio State

(14:16) Ohio State 2025 Leaked Video

(19:56) Minnesota Changes Music: “Lose Yourself”

(24:13) Dance Team Union: Your Voice Matters!

(25:15) Artistry or Athleticism?

(29:14) Setting a Category Standard for UDA Nationals

(32:52) Ohio State Giving Up Pom!?

(35:01) College Dance Team Recruiting

(38:09) Being the “Standard” for Dance Team

(41:47) TRAIN WITH INTENTION!

(44:17) Competition Restrictions and Limitations

(48:00) Kyle is TIRED! Performance Cheer or Dance Team?!

(52:18) Thank You Melissa McGhee and Amanda Gaines!

(53:31) Episode Closing

When two of the most respected names in the game sit down together… you press play. 🎙️▶️Amanda Gaines with the University of Minnesota and Melissa McGhee with The Ohio State University join us on the very first episode of No Counts Given.Premiering tomorrow at 12pm PST on Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok.

Real Talk. Real Talent. All Things Dance.

No Counts Given, powered by Dance Team Union, is the premier podcast for the dance team community. Spotlighting dancers, coaches, judges, and industry leaders shaping the future of the sport. With a bold, authentic, and engaging tone, our episodes deliver insightful interviews, expert analysis, and coverage of major dance team events, coaching shifts, viral moments, and dance team culture. Whether you’re on the sidelines, in the audience, or center stage, No Counts Given keeps you connected, inspired, and in the know.

Hey! I’m Kyle Rush, professional dancer, choreographer, judge, and now, podcast host. From dancing in the NBA to coaching, consulting, and teaching masterclasses around the world, I’ve spent the last 15+ years fully immersed in the dance team industry. Now, I’m using my voice to spotlight the sport I love through my podcast, No Counts Given — real conversations for real dance team insiders. 

You might know me from TikTok (@itskylerush), where I break down and react to major competitions like Dance Team Union, Varsity Brands, The Open Championship Series, West Coast Elite, and more. My passion is highlighting the athletes, coaches, choreographers, and creators shaping the dance world today and that’s exactly what this podcast is here to do.

I was born and raised in Coalinga, California, and began my dance education journey at just 14 years old. While still in high school, I founded and coached a youth and recreational dance program—what began as a group of 8 friends quickly grew into a company of over 80 dancers. After graduating from Coalinga High School, I moved throughout California, eventually spending five years as a head instructor with JAMZ Cheerleading and Dance. It was during this time that I connected with Lisa Cortez, owner of Golden State Elite, which led to me directing the studio for eight incredible years. In 2021, I auditioned for the Golden State Warriors Dance Team and went on to perform during their 2022 Championship season. As a national and international choreographer and educator, dance education has remained at the heart of everything I do. Today, I continue to push the industry forward by creating impactful, educational, and entertaining content for the dance team community - becoming one of the first consistent voices to spotlight this evolving sport on social media.

On No Counts Given, you’ll hear in-depth interviews with top names in the industry, my real opinions on competitions, results, choreography and trends - it is all about having honest conversations about where dance team has been and where dance team is going.