Mapúa XDC and Mapúa Junior Dance Troupe grace inaugural NCAA Street Dance

Article by: Crismhil S. Anselmo

Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Crismhil S. Anselmo

Photos by: Jemuel N. Reyes

For the first time in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) history, a street dance competition graced the league just in time for its centennial year. Beaming with Cardinal pride, Mapúa XDC and the Mapúa Junior Dance Troupe strutted to the dance floor with red and golden passion in the senior and junior categories, respectively, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre last December 12.

Burning red with their golden name across their chests, Mapúa XDC beamed with Cardinal pride as they competed in the senior's division. The routine, developed by Coach Justine Torres and Co-Coach Paul Adriano, colored the arena with an upbeat routine that garnered 79 points.

While the performance fell short of a podium finish, Mapúa XDC Team Captain Taye Jasmin expressed that it was an honor for the group to represent Mapúa University (MU) in the first NCAA street dance. “[It] was only the beginning for us. Expect to see more of us at most of the competitions that will be happening next year,” the team captain shared.

Meanwhile, the Mapúa Junior Dance Troupe—comprising the Royal Humble Dance Company (RHDC) from the MU Senior High School department—graced the junior’s dance floor donning their Hama pants and white flowy sleeves. The soulful piece, choreographed by Coach RD Pagsanghan, finished with 79.2 points.

“Representing Mapúa on such a prestigious stage is a privilege that we hold dear, and we are determined to honor the pride and excellence our school stands for,” RHDC Grade 12 Public Relations Officer Aomi Cruz shared in an interview with The New Builder.

When asked what is next for their dance troupes, both teams have expressed interest in performing and joining more competitions outside the school.

While titles were elusive in the street dance’s debut season, the teams’ plights for the NCAA crown are just the beginning of a long journey of excellence for Mapúan dancers.