March 29, 2024

A series of dance-sport training camps is set for athletes as well as would-be athletes in the Cordillera this 2023. 

Dancesport Cordillera Head Charibelle Pingawan said the series of training camps and competitions will help sharpen the skills of young athletes to be ready for competitions this year.

Foremost in the training camps will be the first quarter inter-local government unit dancesport competition and training camp on Feb. 11,12, 25, 26, and March 4.

The mid-year dancesports training camp is set for June to July while the third Cordillera Dance Festival Dancesport Competition will be held in October, and the year-end training camp is set in December.

Pingawan added if there are those interested to partner with them to conduct dancesport such as in the barangay or municipal level, they can add these among their activities.

Pingawan, who also coaches the Benguet Dancesport team, said they will resume training this month in preparation for national and international competitions.

The major competitions they are targeting to join are those set by the Philippine Dancesport Federation (PDSF): first quarter ranking this March, midyear ranking on June, the third quarter ranking on September, and the national championship in November.

The top seeds at the PDSF events also have a chance to represent the country in international events such as the Southeast Asian Games where the country’s dance-sports athletes also shone recently.

Pingawan said they are targeting to join in at least one international competition this year.

She said their athletes need to continue to develop and advance their dancing skills, techniques, and endurance. Endurance is one of the defining factors during competitions, especially with the series of rounds going to the finals, where athletes would dance continually with only one-minute breaks in between dances. 

Partnering skills, competitiveness and strategy on the dance floor are also needed to be upgraded for the young dancesport athletes.

Dancesport Cordillera has eight original members who are still active while new trainees from Baguio and Benguet are composed of 20 athletes. – Ofelia C. Empian