CASS joins TSU Contemporary Dance Team, finishes third in Nat’l Competition

Report by Joaquin Umali | Photo credits to Mr. Daniel T. Dizon | Coach, Contemporary Dance

Students from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) were among the representatives of the TSU Contemporary Dance Team (TSU-CDT) in the 18th National Dance Championship last March 29, 2025, at the Philippine Sports Arena, Pasig City.

TSU-CDT clinched 2nd runner-up in the College Mixed Contemporary Category, sharing the stage with some of the country’s premier dance teams, including the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Salinggawi Dance Troupe, which emerged as champions, and the Company of Ateneo Dancers, who took first runner-up.

CASS students who contributed to this milestone include Louise Agustin (AB Psychology), Karyl Pescasiosa and Kimberly Melchor (AB English Language Studies), and Paolo Garcia, Kikay David, John Cedric Ferrer, Isha Ramos, and Patricia Payabyab (AB Communication). Their journey to the national stage began after winning the top spot in the TSU Foundation Week competition, securing their place in the university’s official delegation.

Moreover, Mr. Daniel Dizon, RPm, MA Psy, and Performing Arts – Contemporary Dance Team Head Coach expressed his pride and gratitude through a Facebook post, recognizing the team’s efforts and the invaluable support from the TSU community.

“To compete with established dance teams in the country is already a win for us. It’s such an honor to be sharing the podium with the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the Company of Ateneo Dancers. Our hearts are filled with gratitude especially to all of the people who brought us again in the national finals,” the post read, followed by an express of gratitude.

Meanwhile, AB ELS student Karyl Pescasiosa recalled the challenges faced by the team and reflected on the team’s experience in competing on the national stage.

“The original song was four minutes and a half, the same version performed at CAASUC. Cutting the piece to two minutes and a half was challenging even for our coach, Sir Daniel. He had to carefully select and compress the highlights to meet the competition’s criteria,” Pescasiosa said.

“This National Dance Competition was an incredible experience. I’m thankful to my amazing team for their hardwork…Huge appreciation to our coaches, sir Daniel and Coach Lea, along with all the coaches and alumni who guided and supported us. The near month-long preparation was intense, but performing on the national stage was rewarding,” she added.

The National Dance Championship is the country’s premier nationwide dance competition, showcasing talent in Jazz and Hip-hop disciplines. TSU’s strong finish in the event highlights the growing presence of its performing arts group and the dedication of its student-dancers, particularly from CASS, in excelling on a national platform.