In an English major's mind, ideas that are hard to express in words are made to be felt through the fluid movements of the body. They are trained to measure poetic pentameters, but sometimes, it's the beat of the music and the timing of the rhythm that they need to make such actions. After all, the philosopher Simonides was right: dancing is silent poetry.
This was proven right last April 18, 2024, when Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English (BSE-ENG) students participated in the Hataw Sayaw Dance Competitions arranged by the Physical Education (PE) Club. Despite the challenge from several more seasoned opponents, the English Groove Republic (EGR), made up of students from sections 1A and 1B, remained unfazed and eventually nabbed the victory.
Nevertheless, the road to the win wasn't an easy task. For head choreographers Renz Yvo Miguel of 1A and Kimberly Hao of 1B, the first challenge they had to bear was inviting like-minded freshmen to join EGR.
"I've been waiting since the start of the school year for us to have a dance competition. When I first heard the news, there was no doubt—I just said, 'Let's go,' because of my natural competitiveness and my love for dancing. I quickly invited my classmates and also students from English 1B," Miguel, an experienced dancer and choreographer, said in an interview given to The Drone.
Thankfully, they were able to gather classmates and friends who were up to take on the challenge. It proved to be a mix of veterans, returnees, and first-timers that made EGR a formidable squad to reckon with.
For Nadine Cajipe, one of the members, it was her newfound happiness in dancing that made her join the squad. "Dancing is something that's new to me; I'm really not showy when it comes to my talents. It was my first time joining these competitions, and it was something that I recently loved," she said.
Meanwhile, Joed Pamintuan, a student from 1B, had his roots in dancing since junior high school. "It was only now (after the pandemic) that I returned to dance to express my passion for my talents," Pamintuan said.
Despite the organized team they had formed, the EGR had its fair share of bad strides. Aside from scheduling restraints, the extreme heat felt in April and May—which caused classes to go online—made their outdoor practices more challenging. "We had times when we conducted practices while others were having online classes," Hao said, talking about the adjustments they had to make.
Creative differences also proved difficult for the team during these crammed practices. Luckily, the choreographers were able to resolve everything in time for the competition.
As the day of the performance knocked at their door, individual pressure also got into their heads. For Pamintuan, it was about how he would execute the toughest of their routines. "I was so frantic and overthinking about the competition because I might trip doing the dance move. However, as we stepped on the stage, I just let go of everything in my mind and showed what I am and what I can offer to the rest of the crowd," he said.
Being a young member of the UCC Dance Troupe—“bata,” as she was called—Hao never had any doubts about her compatriots. In her mind was trust that everything would go well. "On my part, I know that I did my best to keep their performance clean. I trust them; I know that they're capable of doing their best," Hao said.
Cheers and jeers filled the university quadrangle as they performed their tough dance routines. From chic dance moves to exquisite stunts, the EGR wowed the crowd and the judges who watched their every single step. They showed their prowess in front of their other opponents, most of whom had formal training, equipment, and experience. Nevertheless, the cue card arrived, and the EGR was declared the overall champion.
"I was so relieved during the announcement, and that aura was different because our opponents were from formal dance troupes. It was an emotional moment for me, but I won't show that too much, or my soft sides will be revealed," Miguel said, noting the happiness he felt as he and his team received the awards.
The moment of jubilation also proved to be a period of positive reflection. For Cajipe, the win validated her confidence even more; despite being a first-timer in this competition, her willingness to win made a difference for her.
"I feel validated. Being a first-time dancer, I realized that I could join in these competitions. Of course, I owe that to them because, without their help, I wouldn't even enjoy and treasure that first winning moment," Cajipe said.
Hao still hears about the victory even at home; it makes her parents happier for the feat she achieved. "Even my parents were so happy for me. They knew that it was my first time choreographing and winning at the same time. It was a special moment for me, especially since I know they're not that expressive at showing their state, but at that time, I saw how happy they were with me," she said.
Reflecting on their triumph, the EGR made it a victory for all the freshmen majors. Miguel said that it helped him extend his circle of friends and meet new people while having fun doing what they love.
"Don't restrict yourself to a single circle of friends. Learn to socialize because it helps in communication and organization, and it creates bonds and memories that you'll treasure, especially with people that share a common goal with you," Miguel said.
For Hao and Cajipe, this triumph only proves that taking risks and working through them can bring elusive dreams to fruition. "You'll never know how strong you can be until you get to experience it," they said.
For the English Groove Republic, their recent victory broke the "weak" and "talentless" stereotype faced by many educators. Their win brought us a lesson of honing and loving our craft, no matter how busy college days may be. They might have sowed the seeds of exhaustion and fear, but what they have harvested are the sweetest fruits of victories that they'll treasure for time to come.
If dancing is silent poetry, then what they've done is a resounding masterpiece. Once again, congratulations!
Article by: Mr. Edcel Escaro (The Catalyst Editor-in-Chief) and Ms. Beatrice Verano (BSE-ENG 3A)