For the Philippine dance community, the month of August marks the start of one of the biggest—if not the biggest—event of the year. It is the time when the best of the best local dance crews from different divisions—varsity, adult and mega crew—pack their bags and travel to the dance world’s biggest stage in Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the World Hip Hop Dance Competition.
Simply called the “Worlds” by most dancers, the competition brings together the most talented crews from across the globe to put together an unbelievable show. One might call it the Olympics of the dance world, with over 30 countries participating.
This year, the Philippine delegation was composed of nine dance crews. It is no secret that our country is home to some of the best dance artists in the world. For instance, hailing from our shores is two-time World Hip Hop Champion, the Philippine All-Stars. Last year, University of the Philippines’ (UP) The Crew also bagged gold after a seamless routine in the finals round.
In the prelims round of the mega crew division this year, it was so inspiring to see that the top three scorers of the competition belonged to team Philippines. La Salle Dance Company, UP Streetdance Club and Philippine All-Stars placed first, second and third, respectively. Social media sites were blasting with excitement, as the hashtag #PinasPataas went viral. Posts of encouragement, inspiration and gratitude flooded timelines—everyone was enthused by this great feat that our local dance artists had achieved.
Months before Worlds, participating dance crews staged their own concerts in order to raise funds and support for their journey to Las Vegas. Although official records indicate that they represent the Philippines, no form of government support was given to the competing crews. The money spent for traveling and competing all came out of their own pockets and from several corporate sponsors. It’s also important to note that only three of the nine competing teams actually dance for a living.
It has always been a frustration of mine how so much homegrown talent for dance has been wasted because of the lack of avenues to dance professionally in this country. I remember losing some of my best dance coaches in the past because they chose to pursue their professional dance careers abroad.
This is probably why most see dance only as a hobby that one will eventually grow out of, rather than something that one can use to secure a stable future. I cannot help but feel envious of countries like the United States, where performing art schools grant young artists scholarships in order to help them continue their art forms while receiving quality education.
I have nothing but respect to the members of the local dance community. Although the opportunities to go professional in the country are scarce, they continue to push themselves to grow as performers and artists all for the love of the art.
Pinas Pataas strongly suggests that it is currently the golden age of dance in the country. With the unbelievable amount of talent that is present in the country, it is perhaps time to give more importance and value not only to the dance community, but to the under-celebrated world-class Filipino talent as a whole.
