THE FIVE-TIME UAAP Cheerdance champ Salinggawi Dance Troupe is preparing a fusion of modern folk and jazz dances for the opening ceremonies of UAAP Season 70 hosted by UST this July.
Choreographed by Ryan Silva and Rene Hofileña, Salinggawi’s long-time choreographers, the three-part exhibition will run roughly nine minutes. The first part will consist of a variety of dances such as modern jazz, cheerdance, and hip-hop while the succeeding two parts will utilize barrio themes accompanied by folk dance music in an upbeat tempo.
“It will be a first for Salinggawi to perform native-inspired dance numbers in a modern rendition,” Salinggawi president Kim San Juan told the Varsitarian. “The choreography for the folk dance does not have the usual melodramatic approach and that makes our performance more exciting from the past.”
Undoubtedly the finest ensemble of dancers in UAAP cheerdancing history, Salinggawi is very much aware that there will be no room for mistakes.
With 29 seniors left for this year’s squad plus 23 rookies, Salinggawi aims to leave spectators in awe with another explosive performance.
“Those who will be watching us will really scrutinize our performance so we really have to give our best yet,” San Juan said.
Aside from Salinggawi, dance squads from different colleges are also set to grace UST’s UAAP hosting festivities to share the spotlight with other Thomasian talents. Maria Jesamine DG Palarca
