THE UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe will aim to exorcise the ghosts of its past 19 years through a Halloween-inspired routine that it hopes will resurrect its image as a champion team.
Salinggawi head coach Mark Chaiwalla said the Halloween theme was among the most requested themes from fans, making it a fitting choice for the team’s bid to end its 19-year championship drought.
The squad, which finished fifth in Season 87, last won the crown in 2006.
“Salinggawi is still one of the winningest teams in the leagues so we want to live up to that,” Chaiwalla told The Flame.
“Coming from fifth place of course, its quite of a heartbreaking placement from last year… I believe with our mindset this year, there is no way to go but up.”
The much-awaited UAAP Season 88 Cheerdance Competition will take place on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Team Captain Hannah Perez said Salinggawi focused on cohesion and performance quality throughout its preparations.
“We made sure our goals are aligned not only when it comes to skill but also our chemistry in working together,” Perez said.
“Our team is faster and more determined. But there is still elegance and artistry in our dance, which is the signature of Salinggawi,” she added.
This year’s Cheerdance Competition will feature a diverse slate of themes from participating schools.
The UP Pep Squad will open the show with a Christmas-inspired performance, followed by the UE Pep Squad’s High School Musical routine.
Season 87 runner-up Adamson Pep Squad will take the floor with an explorer-themed concept, while the DLSU Animo Squad will deliver a baseball-inspired number.
The Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion will bring an animated twist with a routine based on the movie “Sing,” before the defending champions NU Pep Squad performs its ninja-themed entry.
Last year’s third-placer FEU Cheering Squad will perform a Larong Pinoy-inspired routine. The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe will close the show with its Halloween-inspired #ghoUSTE performance. F
