Risks of cheerdance and things they'd do for it

MANILA, Philippines - It’s not only the athletes who push themselves to the limit and put limbs at risk for school.

Cheerdancers proved that they, too, are as passionate and determined to bring honor to their beloved Alma Mater with their daring acts on the mat.

Take La Salle Animo Squad dancer Aiana Lontoc, who, unknown to majority at the Big Dome, broke her right elbow while doing a tumbling routine two minutes into their performance.

“She did a wrong landing during the first part which dislocated her elbow then she continued until the end of the routine. We only knew then,” said DLSU captain Harriette Mauricio.

“She was crying but pushing herself and like she was telling the boys please help me during the routine but they didn’t know that she was like that (at that time),” she added.

Lontoc, a third-year dancer, was rushed to Cardinal Santos immediately after their performance and learned of their second place finish there. According to La Salle officials, X-ray showed dislocation on Lontoc’s right elbow, which will be placed in a cast for six weeks.

Spectators near courtside were the first to notice Lontoc’s condition.

“Her right arm was already limp, she was forced to use her good arm for backflips and other moves the rest of the way,” UST alumni Jeks Gomez remembered from his patron seat, recalling how audience close to the action even shouted for a halt to the routine that eventually went on.

Lontoc and her teammates gave La Salle its first podium finish in 13 years – a runner-up effort behind back-to-back champion University of the Philippines Pep Squad.

The Diliman-based cheerdancers, themselves, made some sort of a sacrifice, albeit something not as painful as Lontoc’s. They all dyed their hair blonde a la 1980s pop icon Madonna.

“Initially we’re really shocked and worried about how we’ll look but after that we all kind of liked it,” said UP Pep Squad co-captain Kae Madrigal.

“We just espoused the thinking that whatever sacrifice we make, such as walking around in this hair color, it will all be worth it,” her fellow skipper Laurence Martin Bautista added.

Ah, the things you’d do for cheerdance.