Kidapawan dancers win gold in Australia World Dance contest

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A group of local dancers from this city was adjudged over all champion during the World Supremacy Battle Ground dance competition bagging the gold medal held in Sydney Australia on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Dace Cazenas, Team Captain

These young dancers composed mostly of high school students and some professionals flew to Australia to represent not only Kidapawan City but also the Philippines as it was the only group from the country that qualified in the world competition.

The group known as “Off Limits” battled with the best dancers all over the world and consistently topped the preliminary rounds which started in October 3, landing in the championship showdown on October 6.

Off Limits team captain Dave Cazenas said the there were at least 15 teams competing in the varsity level of said dance competition.

Their group was always qualified to move to the next round until they reached the final level of competitions.

“It’s a very tough competition especially that the rest of the contenders are also good in terms of dance move and tricks,” Cazenas said in a phone interview.

Cazenas said they won because of their synchronized dance movements.

“For a first timer joining the International Dance Championship is very memorable to us especially that we came to Australia with meager pocket money,” Cazenas disclosed.

Each of the members received a gold medal, apart from a trophy.

“We cannot believe until now that the group from Kidapawan topped the contest. We are still in the cloud nine as of this moment,” JM Gelicame, the team manager said.

Gelicame disclosed the difficulties they experienced in securing needed documents to get team’s passports and visas.

“We sought assistance from our friends who had the capacity to help. With God’s grace they helped us without second thoughts,” Gelicame said.

Off Limits participated in all dance competitions in North Cotabato even in the barangay level and the money they won was used as payments for their round-trip tickets.

They also sought assistance by going on a radio tour to crowdfund their budget for their week-long stay in Australia.

Off Limit is a local dance group founded in 2007 in Kidapawan City aimed to trained interested elementary and high school students especially those who have passion in dancing.

Though they have no regular place or studio for training, they choose to use the covered courts and even the city plaza just to performed and teach those who joined the team.

“We don’t ask for payment. We just shared our steps and tricks in dance steps to our group. We make this as our passion to express our selves through dance move,” Gelicame said.

Gelicame thanked all those extended support through financial and prayers for them their burning desire and once a dream was realized by raising the Philippine flag in the world of dance in Australia.

Mayor Joseph A. Evangelista will honor the group during the convocation program this month. — LA, GMA News