The Uknighted Dance Company (UDC) highlighted dance covers at the UPOP: Open Division Idol Dance Cover Competition on March 8, 2025, at the SC Auditorium. Photo Courtesy: Ram Christian Campos.
Uknighted Dance Company (UDC) set the stage and brought spotlight on the art of dance covers through the UPOP: Open Division Idol Dance Cover Competition on March 8, 2025, at the SC Auditorium of Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila. In competitions where originality often takes center stage, UDC proved that true artistry isn’t just about creating something new—it’s also about interpretation, creativity in movement, and the passion poured into every dance.
Dance has been deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino culture long before colonizers set foot on Philippine soil. Over time, it has evolved alongside the people, adapting to new influences while maintaining its rich heritage. As the 2010s unfolded, a new wave of Filipino creativity emerged—modern P-POP. Though its rise was gradual, groups like MNL48 paved the way, earning recognition as pioneers of the movement.
Now, in the 2020s, P-POP is experiencing a renaissance. Groups like SB19 and BINI are not only redefining the local music and dance scene but also making waves on the international stage. With their success, a new generation of performers is inspired to push boundaries, proving that Filipino talent is ready to take center stage in the global arena.
More Than Just Steps
Dance is more than just movement—it's an art form, a language, and a powerful expression of self. For those who dedicate their lives to it, dance is not just about technique or performance; it’s a deeply personal experience that resonates beyond the stage. Whether it’s a passion, a career, or a form of self-discovery, dance holds different meanings for every individual.
For the judges of UPOP 2025, dance is more than what meets the eye.
Paolo Nuguid, dance coach of UDC and one of the judges at UPOP 2025, shared in an interview with The LANCE that, despite being a registered nurse and an academic scholar during his time at Colegio, he ultimately chose to pursue dance as a career. “I am a nurse by profession. Throughout my life as a student, I was an academic scholar. So, for me to choose dance and do this as a career—this is really more than life for me,” he said.
For Den Jiongco, a P-POP idol and fellow judge, dance is deeply personal—a rhythm that resonates from within. “It’s also a feeling, personal feeling. Actually, nagsasayaw ako hindi para makita ng iba e, nagsasayaw ako dahil gusto ko gumalaw,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Nicole De Leon, another judge and former UDC member, described her relationship with dance as a mix of love and struggle. “Alam ‘yan ni Coach Paolo, since naging part din ako ng UDC. Ayun din po, since nasa PPOP group na rin po ako, the more na nagsasayaw ako, the more na na-fe-feel ko na confident ako.” she expressed.
While dance may mean different things to different people, one thing remains constant—the discipline and commitment it demands. With passion and perseverance, dancers can go beyond their dreams and leave a lasting impact.
For Coach Paolo, discipline and commitment are often the most overlooked aspects of dancing, even among those who love it. “Some people love to dance, but they don’t have the discipline for it. They don’t have the commitment for it. They don’t have the respect for it. They see dance as just a pastime, so they can’t expect others to respect their art form,” he emphasized.
Dancing Against the Odds
Despite the progress in the scene of dancing, dance in the Philippines continues to struggle for recognition as a legitimate profession rather than just a hobby. Many dancers dedicate their lives to their craft, yet they often face limited opportunities and a lack of respect for their work. The stigma surrounding dance as an unstable career persists, making it even more challenging for aspiring performers to pursue their passion professionally.
Coach Paolo pointed out that in other countries, dancers begin their training as early as five years old. In the Philippines, however, pursuing dance as a career often comes much later. “Dito, medyo late tayo. Kina-career ng mga tao ang dance, late na. Ako, formal training ng mga dancers ko sa college na. When we go abroad luging-lugi kami, because ‘yung kalaban nila starts at the age of 5, 6, 7? And imagine ‘yung hahabulin natin…” he shared.
Jiongco echoed this sentiment, noting that while he had been dancing since childhood, it wasn’t until after college that he took it seriously as a profession.
Beyond late career starts, Jiongco also highlighted another challenge dancers face—finding the balance between confidence and humility. “Siguro ‘yung mga nakikita ko madalas sa dance groups, ‘di lang naman sa Pinas kundi globally, na andaming mayayabang na dancer. Minsan ang laki ng talent na binigay sayo ni God, tapos ‘di nagagamit ng maayos,” he shared.
For Nicole De Leon, one of the biggest challenges in dancing—especially in a group—is building a real connection with fellow performers. “Marami kasing as a group magagaling silang sumayaw, but then wala silang connection. Tapos ang nangyayari parang nag-co-compete sila sa isat isa. So I think it’s very important to have connections,” she noted.
For the performers of UPOP 2025, balancing dance with academics was a major challenge. The Mambo Magsaysay Dance Troupe (MMDT), first runner-up in the competition, struggled with scheduling as its members juggled rehearsals alongside schoolwork. Meanwhile, Potentia PH, the UPOP 2025 champion, highlighted the pressure of creating and teaching choreography within a short time frame—an experience that was both demanding and rewarding.
UPOP In Spotlight
As P-POP continues to rise, so does the hope that dance will finally be recognized as more than just a passion—it is a profession, an art form, and a powerful force in shaping Filipino identity on the global stage.
Samantha Faith Batula, event director of UPOP 2025, recalled how UDC once had its own dance cover group before 2022, earning the nickname the “Blackpink of UDC.” In 2024, Coach Paolo envisioned UPOP as an open division dedicated to idol covers, providing a platform for aspiring performers to showcase their talents.
For Samantha, this wasn’t just an opportunity to perform but also a chance to grow and learn as a team. “Nagkaroon kami ng opportunity na maganda for us kasi we get to know how production team works,” she shared.
For performers like Alora PH, the experience of UPOP 2025 went beyond just being on stage. They highlighted how seamlessly the event unfolded, describing it as smooth, well-organized, and a true testament to the dedication behind the scenes.
More than just a competition, UPOP became a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the growing recognition of P-POP and dance in the Philippines.
“UPOP was truly an amazing experience. I think that UPOP and its ability to cater to ALL types of idol dances has great potential to become a nationally-known competition. I hope UDC would continue this event annually and would hopefully meet the right people to make its market bigger and even better than it is now,” shared Gelo Gonzalo, an audience member who witnessed the event firsthand.
His words reflect the growing enthusiasm for platforms like UPOP, which not only celebrate dance but also provide opportunities for performers to showcase their talent and passion. As P-POP and idol dance culture gain momentum, events like these serve as stepping stones toward greater recognition, proving that dance is more than just a pastime—it’s an evolving art form with the power to inspire and connect communities.
By providing platforms like UPOP, dancers are given the chance to share, learn, and grow together. With continued recognition and support, dance can move beyond being just a passion and be embraced as a viable and respected profession in the Philippines.