Four from Visayas qualify for national finals of street dance tilt

CEBU, Philippines —  Shihan Ricablanca of Brgy. Basak, Pardo, Cebu City was hailed champion at the Visayas qualifier of the second season of Red Bull Dance Your Style, a street dance competition unique for letting the crowd decide the winner in each round.

Joining Ricablanca as qualifiers for the September 2 national finals, where they will go against 12 other contenders, are Arnold Diwatin from Bacolod, as well as Sam Rivera and Jeffrey Toledo from Cebu. Although the talents are no dancing neophytes, they vowed to train harder for the upcoming competitions.

The National Finals winner will advance to the World Finals as the Philippines’ representative to Red Bull Dance Your Style in Germany this November.

Held July 15 at Trademark Bar & Lounge in 88th Avenue, the Visayas leg saw Ricablanca, who has been dancing since he was in second grade before his brother recruited him for a dance troupe, dominate the dance floor.

“Dance has been around for so long in the Philippines, but having Red Bull come out and give this platform to our local dancers is such a big boost for everyone to be seen on stage. It’s such a big deal because we have amazing artists, but the only thing we don’t have is a platform,” said Lema Diaz, one of the competition’s dance consultant.

“It’s the first time in Cebu, second time in the Philippines. Right now, the World Finals has at least 46 countries. It’s almost like the Olympics. We’re sending our local talents globally because we have what it takes,” Diaz added.

“Maybe soon, we’ll have the Global Finals here. It’s truly going to filter, not just the best mover, but also the ones who can reel in the crowd. It’s all about entertainment and performance.”

With the unpredictable music, contestants taunt their opponent and show their flexibility in the following street dance genres: krumping (exaggerated, rapid arm and leg movements), waacking (speedy arm gestures that form a particular shape or pattern), locking (freezing in a certain position, then proceeding with the previous dancing speed), popping (immediate relaxing and contracting of muscles in a seamless manner), and breakdancing (intricate footwork and acrobatic movements).

“Red Bull Dance Your Style gives them a chance to be motivated and hone their skills. It’s hard to be a dancer in the Philippines. This will serve as an inspiration to them,” said Diaz. – Lady Lara Clavano, CNU Intern