The Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen CICM, Center for Culture and Arts (CCA) Theater of Saint Louis University (SLU) once again erupted with passion and creativity at the annual Dance Festival held on 27 April 2026, with the theme “Timeless Stories, Fearless Narrative,” proudly showcasing Filipino culture through the celebration of dance.
“Through these performances, we are reminded that dance is not only an art form but also a powerful way to preserve culture and tell the stories that shape who we are as a people,” Mr. Sherwin Santiago, chairperson of the SLU Dance Festival, trainer, and choreographer of the SLU Dance Troupe, said as he welcomed the participants.
The event formally started with the invocation, followed by the National Anthem and the introduction of the adjudicators. The distinguished panel of judges included Mrs. Sheryl Fabia, Mr. Mark Gonzalo Benter, and Mr. Lucky Ubaldo for the Ballroom Pair category. The judges for the other categories were Mr. Jonie Boy Pangilinan, Coach Mycs Villoso, and Mr. Al Bernard Garcia.
The Dance Festival featured contest pieces exhibiting stories that molded our identities as Filipinos: Lanceros De Tayabas for Philippine Folk Dance, Filipino Folklore for Contemporary Dance, Filipino Heroes for Street Dance, and Filipino Children’s Stories for Dance En Quatro. Dance En Quatro was a new addition to the 2026 categories of the Dance Festival.
Participating schools were: School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS), School of Advanced Studies (SAS), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), School of Medicine (SOM), and School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA).
The Ballroom Pair Competition was held at the Bishop Carlito Cenzon, CICM, D.D., Sports Center Court 1, while the other events were conducted at the CCA Theater.
To keep the energy up as the festival drew to a close, an intermission was held, featuring the CCA Rondalla and Dance Troupe with their renditions of Paso Doble 96 and Sinakiki.
During the closing program, all participants came together for a finale dance to the song “Alagad ng Sining.” Afterward, students were recognized and awarded for their exemplary performance in telling deep Filipino narratives through dance. A huge round of applause for the victors:
Ballroom Pair – Standard Category:
Champion – STELA
1st Runner Up – SOM
2nd Runner Up – SEA
Ballroom Pair – Latin Category:
Champion – SAS
1st Runner Up – SONAHBS
2nd Runner Up – SEA
Philippine Folk Dance Category:
Champion – SAS
1st Runner Up – SOM
2nd Runner Up – SONAHBS
Contemporary Dance Category:
Champion – STELA
1st Runner Up – SOM
2nd Runner Up – SONAHBS
Dance en Quatro Category:
Champion – STELA
1st Runner Up – SEA
2nd Runner Up – SAMCIS
Street Dance Category:
Champion – SAMCIS
1st Runner Up – SEA
2nd Runner Up – SONAHBS
Through the 2026 Dance Festival, the students showcased their talents, expressed their creativity, and celebrated the beauty of movement. SLU also renewed its dedication to cultivating artistry and refining Filipino culture. By preserving and celebrating Filipino cultural heritage through dance, the university directly contributed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through cultural transmission and skill development, and to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which aims to preserve cultural heritage and foster community cohesion. (Article by Guenne Gabriel Patano, UIO Intern | Photos by Kathleen Therese Catingub, UIO Interns)
