Like other forms of arts, dancing is a manifestation of emotion that requires utmost patience, unparalleled dedication, and time management. Regardless of their respective fortes, dancers—as performing artists—never fail to astonish people whenever they move rhythmically in front of an expecting crowd.

OPENING PROLIFIC AVENUES

Dance Idol 2006 unveils the country's young and talented dancers from different schools, universities, and colleges and the untapped professional dance groups as well.

According to Dance Idol creator and executive producer John Aguilar, what they wanted to do from the very beginning was to produce a dance competition that does not only show what is happening on-stage but also reveals the situations and conflicts that emerge behind it. "Having produced the first Dance Idol last year made me realize that though the magic of the performance is what people see—the things that people don’t, the behind-the-scenes drama, and the moments of tension also make for equally good entertainment," he shares.

Aired on television for its first season, Dance Idol, the tri-level and multi-category dance contest produced by television, video, and events company StreetPark Productions, Inc., helps discover new talents while acting as an avenue where the potentials of untapped dance groups are developed before they conquer the mainstream industry.

Aside from showcasing a mixed roster of talents, Dance Idol also promotes team spirit and healthy competition among students from different schools, colleges, and universities. It also opens an avenue for professionals to display their talents and for them to expand their knowledge about the diverse styles and infinite possibilities of dancing.

HOW IDOLS ARE MADE The dancers—who look at dancing as a vehicle to impart the sensation of living in an affirmation of life—continue to energize spectators into keener awareness of the vigor, the mystery, the humor, the variety, and the wonder of life through a series of steps and variety of movements.

But before they can deliver their own interpretation of life, dancers must first witness it for their own sake. And even before they recommend their craft as a safe and innocent amusement, they must be ready to face hard challenges and expect great exchange of ideas along the way.

The contest showcased four different categories—Cheerdance, Jazz, Streetdance, and Open Level that feature the most-talented professional dance groups and equally-promising college dance groups today.

Among the 20 hopefuls during the competition proper held at the Aliw Theater, only three groups in each category were selected as finalists.

In a separate event held at the Central Plaza of Eastwood City in Libis a week later, the finalists were given probably one of the biggest shocks of their dancing careers. "The published prize in the Dance Idol is P50,000 in cash," announces Aguilar during the awarding ceremonies, "but, prior to this awards night, we have received so many inquiries on the prize for the second and third runners up that’s why we decided to look for other options: it’s either winner takes all or the grand prize will be divided."

After the announcement of the major twist, the finalists were asked to make an impromptu decision right on the stage. The groups were also reminded that the decision should be a unanimous group decision among the finalists.

In the Cheerdance Category, the finalists considered the second option. Members of the winning group from the City College of Manila Cheering Squad, share how overwhelmed they are upon receiving the title. "Sobrang saya kasi ‘di naming akalain na mananalo kami!" Veering away from the usual cheerdancing concepts, the group started out with dramatic entrance featuring a mixture of several Pinoy songs like "Bongga ka Day" and "Lakas Tama." But, not everything about the contest was overwhelming for the group. Before the actual competition, one of the members, Abegail Carino encountered a minor accident. "We were doing our final rehearsal when I fell on the floor. I was rushed to the hospital but I recovered immediately that’s why I was able to participate in the actual competition."

Despite being the "underdog" and the accident, group leader Rafael Bongay and the rest of the squad did not lose hope and even shared their blessing.

Members and coaches of first runner up Adamson Pep Squad and second runner up Blue Babble Battalion of the Ateneo de Manila University couldn’t agree more.

Unlike the finalists in the cheerdance category, groups in the Jazz Category believe that everybody deserves an "all-or-nothing" deal. The Company of Ateneo Dancers Jazz (CADJ) of AdMU has chosen the first option—leaving the two groups no choice but to agree.

Ironically, the Danz Edge of St. Scholastica’s College went home with P50,000 in cold cash, leaving CADJ and STI College Cubao’s Jazz Legs in first and second places, respectively.

According to senior Mass Communication student and group leader Jeane Samson, they didn’t really expect that they would be on top among any group in that specific category. "Although we didn’t have much difficulties during the practice and rehearsals, we had a problem during the day of the competition itself because we saw how good the other competitors were." Left with nothing but faith in each other’s talent, Samson and the rest just gave out everything they could and hoped for the best.

Samson shares that their routine is a crossover of modern and funk jazz. "Nandun pa rin ‘yung pinaka-essence ng jazz dance but we tried to be more adventurous with the routine we did that’s why it turned out to be like that."

Out of eight entries in the Streetdance Category, the Company of Ateneo Dancers Streetdance (CADS) of AdMU, Danz Edge of St. Scholastica’s, and the Prodigal Crew of the Mapua Institute of Technology made it to the roster of finalists; the latter bagged the major title and the cash prize after choosing the first option.

According to Prodigal Crew’s choreographer Rocky Bagalacsa, they chose option one or the "all-or-nothing" deal because they believe that everyone deserves what is promised to them. "Nasa mindset na nila na ‘yung competition is "all-or-nothing" that’s why they have striven so hard to perform their routine," he says.

When it comes to the concept, Bagalacsa was inspired how the people in New York use subways as a venue to dance. "I thought of giving their routine a flavor or a story and the subway station concept suggests places where people can dance."

He is also very proud of the dance group because the members are very passionate, enthusiastic, and persevering in perfecting their routine. CADS landed on first place followed by Danz Edge on the second place.

In the Open Level category—where almost all dance steps and styles were displayed—the decision led to the first option.

Kukurukoo (formerly Team 5:08) went home as the champion. According to leader Hejireh Eau Corpuz, it really feels good to bag the title. "We joined before but we lost so I and some of my friends decided to come together once more and develop a good concept." The group is composed of a good mixture of dancers—both students and professionals.

Corpuz thinks that the biggest factor of their victory is their unique concept. "It’s like a library setting," he shares. "We had tables and wheels…we wanted to present different angles and different views…it’s like a story in a library." The routine was mostly composed of hip-hop moves and steps from L.A. Already making an impact by influencing current choreography trends, the group continues to strive hard to widen the reach of their ideals—to elevate streetdance / hiphop as an art form.

L Crew and Batang Mama landed on first and second places, respectively.

Witness the unfolding drama, the rigid competition, and the excitement of the reality TV show today, May 26, 5:00 o’clock p.m. at Studio 23. For more information on Dance Idol, contact StreetPark Productions at 436-8882 to 83.