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The Letran Uknighted Dance Company participated and successfully won 1st Prize in three categories: Hip Hop Duo, Hip Hop Group, and Demi-Character Trio at the 5th Singapore International Dance Competition (SIDC). Photo courtesy of Letran Uknighted Dance Company.
Last September 3, the 5th Singapore International Dance Competition (SIDC) began its 3-day event at the National University of Singapore Cultural Center Theatre which opened its doors for the world to bring the passion of dancing on its stage. The Letran Unknighted Dance Company (UDC) dared to join with a leap of faith and successfully brought home glory with a title of 1st Prize in three categories: Hip Hop Duo, Hip Hop Group, and Demi-Character Trio.
A full-year preparation for the basics and fundamentals of dancing were dedicated in preparation to confidently carry the name of the Colegio in an international competition. Struggles during training was no secret for the UDC members as it continued until 9 PM; not to mention the financial challenges as they aim to join the 5th Singapore International Dance Competition. The lack of budget has been a huge obstacle for the team as the Colegio has its own struggles internally.
“Although marami kaming members ng UDC ngayon, kaunti ang nag-push through sa SIDC due to financial issues. Kasabay ng first sem, enrollment din,” Samantha Batula, one of the five members of UDC who competed in Singapore, said.
Coach Paolo Nuguid said that not everyone was able to keep up with the training due to academic demands as it is physically exhausting, pressure is felt, responsibilities in families require attention, and there is yet a scholarship for the UDC members. Aside from this, no incentives were given to the students from the general education subjects as per the current policy of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
“It was a matter of determination and divine intervention,” he said when asked about those who made it to Singapore. He also mentioned that when they visited a church before the day of competition, there was a quote above the cross that read “take up your cross and come follow me” which spoke to them deeply like the message was meant for them.
The fall in numbers of members who were to join the competition led changes in choreography as blockings required the need of adjustment, but this was no reason to back-out for the members. They were able to polish their movements in accordance with the adjustments made with a mindset of a dancer who can adapt easily.
The heartbeat of the Letran community seems to beat louder in times of trial as families, friends, and even alumni gave a hand to help. The UDC find their way to raise their funds through fundraising shirt merchandise and gather personal donations. Apart from monetary support, Mr. Albert Rosarda, LPT, Director of Student Affairs who also accompanied the UDC in Singapore, witnessed several alumni drop by during the UDC’s training to give the members their cents of knowledge, skills, and experience despite their busy schedules. While SIDC’s visionary founder, Francis Liew, welcomed the Letranistas with warm recognition of the members’ dedication in dancing - making all the shivers of nervousness hush.
The Dance of Passion
“There were make or break parts of the routine. One of which is the hat trick,” Coach Paolo said when asked about the most crucial part of the performance.
The first performance was the Hip-Hop Duo which was anchored with the music “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson. It was a piece performed by the UDC in their concert ‘The Fetch’ last school year that brings the feeling of nostalgia.
Anime choreography was also performed in their previous competition. Despite not winning an award for the piece, they pushed through as they hold great meaning to its story. The audience not understanding the concept of their performance is an inevitable part of their decision, but the feeling of knowing that even a few could relate and understand is enough for them to continue the battle with the said piece.
Their last performance, presented as a group of five, was new even to the members. They dared to explore the Afro dancehall genre of music and conveyed the feeling of happiness and festivity to their audience.
“Ang pinaka-tinuro ni coach throughout the preparation ay kailangan maramdaman namin ‘yung music. That’s why we did not feel lost sa choreo. Masaya kami knowing that we can do it, because Coach Paolo believes in us, God believes in us, and the Letran community believes in us,” Samantha mentioned in saying her point of view as they moved their bodies with their hearts pouring with joy and love.
As much as members of UDC did not expect to win, Coach Paolo was firm with what outcome he wanted. “Ayoko talaga ng natatalo,” he expressed. His goal for the team was to get a podium, but was also surprised with first place titles in all the categories they joined.
The Dawn of UDC’s Momentum
The announcement of UDC bagging three wins in each category they joined was a moment of appreciation, to the team, to the competitive Coach Paolo, to the most supportive Mr. Rosarda, and the whole Letran community who supported their journey.
“I am very thankful to the Letran Unknighted Dance Company, because they never failed us. This is the first international competition that the Department of Student Affairs has supervised under my term, and I owe it to them (UDC).” Mr. Rosarda said expressing his appreciation and gratitude.
“We will not come back as winners, but as witnesses to God’s grace,” Coach Paolo said when asked about what he would like the UDC members to remember with the mountain they just climbed.
“Itong panalo namin ay para sa buong team. Kaming lima man ang tumanggap ng award, nandoon din ang iba pang members ng UDC. Sa Letran community, I hope we made them proud,” Samantha said in her message to the UDC and the Letran community.
Continued support, which can be seen in the financial budget for the organization, monetary donations, prayers or moral support, is without a doubt what fuels the talents of the Colegio. This semester, the organization's challenging goal is to raise funds for the upcoming competitions that they may join for the next semester. With this, the DSA also hopes for Letranites to share the celebration of the UDC’s championing journey in Singapore.
The joining of the Letran Unknighted Dance Company in the 5th Singapore International Dance Competition is undeniably a celebration that is beyond winning, rather of a faithful journey in which every step was sprinkled with a spark of love, commitment and trust. It is absolutely certain that the Letran Community will be singing their names and the loud cheers of “Arriba!” for the organization’s and others’ future endeavors will be heard.