Exhibiting mesmerizing and graceful movements from the plethora of dance categories, Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Center for Culture and Arts (CCA) hosted the 2024 Dance Festival at Prince Bernhard Gymnasium on 12 March 2024. The event brought together the students from the various schools of SLU.
Mr. Sherwin Santiago, Chairman of this school year’s SLU Dance Festival, Trainer and Choreographer of the SLU Dance Troupe welcomed the participants from elementary to college. In Mr. Santiago’s opening remarks said, “This annual gathering will continue to serve as a platform for showcasing the rich tapestry of Louisian artistry through the medium of dance. Over the past years, the Arts Festival, particularly the Dance Festival, has transcended to a mere competition. It has evolved into a sacred space for dancers, choreographers, and artists to express their creativity and excellence. We are not here just to compete, we are here because we belong.”
Kicking off the start of the 2024 Dance Festival was the parade of participants along with a unity dance. An invocation was then held followed by the National Anthem.
The introduction of the distinguished board of judges was then greeted with warm applause. The panel that assembled for the festival includes Mr. Restituto Fernandez, Chairperson for Philippine Folk Dance Category; Mr. Rufo Nilo Malti, Chairperson for Contemporary Dance Category; Ms. Jacqueline Go-Ramon, Chairperson for Contemporary Dance Category; Mr. Marco De Ausen, Chairperson for Hip-Hop Dance Category; and Mr. Jay Ar Fernandez, Chairperson for Ballroom Dance Category.
The Dance Festival featured categories that exemplify the convergence of culture and artistry, namely: Philippine Folk Dance, Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop, Latin Ballroom Formation, Standard Ballroom Formation, and the Ballroom Couples. An intermission was then performed by Tanghalang SLU of their play Boombastic Perya before the festival came to an end.
The closing program then recognized students who showcased exceptional performances and choreography.
Here are the winners in the various categories of the Dance Festival:
Philippine Folk Dance
2nd Runner Up – SEA
1st Runner Up – SONAHBS
Champion – BEDS
Contemporary Dance
2nd Runner Up – SEA
1st Runner Up – SONAHBS
Champion – STELA
Hip Hop
2nd Runner Up – SEA
1st Runner Up – STELA
Champion – SONAHBS
Latin Ballroom Formation
2nd Runner Up – STELA
1st Runner Up – SOM
Champion – SEA
Standard Ballroom Formation
Champion – STELA
Ballroom Couple
2nd Runner Up – Alyanna Nicole G. Mactal and John Robert C. Baracao (SONAHBS)
1st Runner Up – Thelma Veronica Agustin and Vincent C. Astudillo Jr. (STELA)
Champion – Louie Ann Q. Agonas and Shaun Jhoenry C. Ramos (BEDS)
Cultivating the appreciation and passion for the art of dance, whether it be contemporary, hip hop, or folk, the Dance Festival affirms SLU’s commitment to fostering a generation of artistry and enriching Filipino culture. (Article by Sarah Navalta, UIO Intern | Photos by Justhine Plana and EJ Doña, UIO Interns)
