CULTURE spells the difference between a dance troupe and a cheering squad.
That’s why the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe (SDT) has kept its tradition of hiring an SDT alumnus as its coach, from Ryan Silva to Ramon Pagaduan IV.
“That culture makes us different from the rest of the dance troupes,” SDT adviser Edna Sanchez said. “We almost got someone from Bobcats, but the culture needed to be upholded.”
The sudden change in mentor, which happened two months before the UAAP cheerdance competition, might have caused “difficulties” in transition and adjustment for the squad, but Sanchez said “adapting” and “flexibility” were imperative.
“We have to adapt to changes and move on. Whoever is coaching, SDT must be flexible enough to adjust to his system,” Sanchez, the returning adviser, said.
“Pagaduan is strict, especially in terms of time, but that’s only because he wanted to challenge the dancers and bring out the best in them,” she said. “But after the competition, we all saw the gentle side of him when he cried.”
Sanchez said Pagaduan wanted all SDT to be present during practice so he could watch the entire routine actually being executed.
She remained hopeful that the SDT could finally reclaim the title next year despite a new choreographer and 16 rookies.
“Siguro tututukan lang talaga, kakayanin naman,” she said. “It’s only about closely monitoring of the dancers.”
Sanchez admitted they ccould only “make do” with whoever auditions for SDT and could not promise anything to the dancers.
“Lahat, pati athlete natin, galing ‘yan sa putik, pinakintab lang. Sa dancer, wala kang puwedeng ipangako,” Sanchez said. “Kung sino’ng nag-audition, ‘yun lang.”
Despite all the adversities that seemed to have shaken the rookie-laden squad, Sanchez said the squad remains united.
“I just constantly remind them to reach out to the newbies,” she said. “As the adviser, I also talk to the new ones and explain the rules to them, to maintain open communication lines.”
it is very obvious that the criteria and character of the uaap cheering competition has evolved from cherdance to cheer’gymnastics. whereas before the competition was based on grace, repertoire, creative dancing and finesse, the present day competition gives higher premium on stunts, gymnastics, and acrobatic moves, thats why ustsdt has not won in recent years. the cheering competition should aptly be called cheer-gymnastics instead of cheerdance! there is no more grace in the competition.