By Gian Isaac T. Jaroda, Adrienne L. Libang, Hector P. Tuburan III |
Photo by Carmel Roserg Deligos, Aeon Aexza Bustillo, Julianne Galera
Synchronized movements, upbeat music, and lively cheer fill the gym on a humid afternoon on the second day of the two-day Ignite 2024 celebration. The celebration in the gym ignites the learners' shining and bright ember flame, allowing a learner to show their skill in various fields, going from thrilling sports to strategic games, harmonizing melodies, and breathtaking dance choreography now in the long-awaited Ateneo Dance Battle finally taking place.
It highlights each cluster's competitive reach for the crown, beginning with the introduction of the judges who decide the fates of each team. With numerous genres and rounds of dances commencing, learners can't help but sway and swerve along the songs and dances of each cluster, especially in the collective introductory presence from the clusters to the hit song Pantropiko by BINI. This annual celebration of talent and creativity showcased the vibrant spirit of the Ateneo community, where learners transformed the stage into a canvas of expression and unity.
From the outset, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation as clusters from across Ateneo-SHS prepared to showcase their dance prowess. Synchronized movements, upbeat music, and lively cheer filled the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable spectacle. The audience, a mix of students, faculty, and guests, eagerly awaited the unfolding of each performance, ready to be dazzled by the skill and dedication of the participants.
Starting with a huge bang, the battle immediately began with Manresa's solo performer making big waves with his incredible stunts, followed by Pamplona's lone dances uniquely waacking his way through the competition. Paris then shows her chic styles and attitude, followed by Monsterrat's massive burst of energy, stealing the show. Rome then swept in with his impressive death-dropping moves, to be passed on by Salamanca, showing off his talent filling the stage with color. Before long came Barcelona's robust and fiery passion ablaze then, finishing it off, Jerusalem's stag came in with her outstanding performance, ending the one-on-one competition with flare. In the end, Montserrat's Lone Wolf bore the crown, followed by Rome at second and Jerusalem at third with their soloist, Allysa Mae Bicol. The brave stag shares her thoughts and the love she felt during her performance. "The whole duration of the competition, love through dancing was truly shown. Not just within the dancers but also through the support of all the clusters cheering their own. I hope that through this event, more people would appreciate and understand better why dancers continue to dance their way through life and how I hope they can also do the same."
Of course, a solo stag can't bear the entire herd alone, thus bringing forth the stage-rumbling trio versus trio choreographies, all clusters uniquely catering to the audience's satisfaction. With moves making the crowds cheer, the competition was getting fierce. In the end, Jerusalem landed third, with Paris coming up in second, and Montserrat's Banat chants as champion. After a while, a member of the wolves, Kiara Lei Dee Yap, expressed, "I was so proud of myself and the team. Seeing the audience's response affirmed that the message we wanted to convey was captured. There was a blasting and igniting flame of joy despite the hardship I and the rest have endured."
Packing a punch, the crew versus crew segment commenced with each cluster's music list varying from Philippine Pop to Soul to even generic film skit songs. Along with that came unique performances from each cluster, bolstering huge moves of Hip-Hop from the Pamplona phoenixes, Roman gladiators, and burning eagles of Paris. Conversely, contemporary heartfelt messages and moves followed along the path of the Salamanca tigers, fierce wolves of Montserrat, and Jerusalem's brave stags. Finally, Barcelona's fun stage of fedora hats, chosen music, and Manresa's eerie masks and props created an atmosphere following the scorching afternoon sun.
Each team wowed the audience with their expressive costumes and intriguing dance moves. Still, the bright yellow-vested dancers of Montserrat drew the most attention, bagging the champion spot of the crew versus crew category. The green stags of Jerusalem snagged second place, while the striped, orange tigers of Salamanca clawed through to third.
The long-awaited awarding ceremony greeted a restless and eager audience, led by the entertaining remarks of Director Ricardo Enriquez. After rising tension, the proclaimed champion of the Ateneo Dance Battle was Montserrat, filling the gym with the roars of the yellow wolves. The cluster bragged a clean sweep in the 1 versus 1, three versus three, and crew versus crew categories, evident in its proud members' hearty chanting. Humble at second, the Jerusalem stags stood their ground and held their head high for their astounded performances. The Gladiators of Rome were not far behind, fighting gallantly and sealing in the third spot.
While Montserrat's outstanding performances earned them the coveted champion title, all clusters' collective energy and passion contributed to the event's electrifying ambiance. Marco Benedict Bugarin, one individual from the Yellow Wolves, expressed appreciation for his fellow contestants and cluster, "I like to thank my whole crew for becoming such persevering and goal-oriented people and becoming the very first champions of Ateneo Dance Battle. I couldn't be more thankful for them because their unique personalities and character made the whole performance possible. I would also like to thank MJ Latip and Sophia Balique because I'm lost and unguided in leading such a big event without them. And for everyone that supported us in the smallest little things, we are truly grateful and appreciative to every one of you, because, or not, hearing your cheers and yells after our performance already made us quite the champions even before the awarding."
The Ateneo Dance Battle at Ignite 2024 mesmerized audiences with captivating performances, each brimming with talent and creativity. From solo showcases to dynamic trio choreographies and spirited crew battles, every cluster infused the event with its distinct style and fervor for dance.
More than just a competition, the Dance Battle embodied the spirit of unity and diversity within the Ateneo community, where learners unite to express their shared love for the performing arts and inspire each other with their extraordinary abilities.
Comentarios