HAVE you ever immersed yourself in a dance concert? While music concerts have long been a cherished tradition, the world of performing arts beckons you to a different realm. The Bedanz Dance Troupe Alabang (BDTA) held their 16th annual fundraising concert entitled, “AGOS: Ang Pagdaloy at Pagsidhi'' last Sept. 9 at the Tugade Auditorium. The event showcased a variety of genres, from folk dance to hip hop, and even featured several dance crews from different schools. 

Three Heads Are Better Than One

The idea of “AGOS” came from BEDANZ’s former president, Moira Tayao, to emphasize that emotions ought to be embraced and expressed. The theme of "Ang Pagdaloy at Pagsidhi" took shape when the dance troupe shared their teaser video for the concert. They felt like “AGOS” was lacking as a title and looked for terms that best resonate with the concept and message of the concert, hence the addition of the theme.

For the current president, Chelsea Lontok (IV-BAIS), she expressed the concept as "Ang mga agos ng emosyon ay patuloy na dumadaloy sa ating kalooban nang walang sawa, hindi nauubos ang pagsidhi." While their Internal Vice President, Alyssa Lusande (II-BACMS), saw the title as the best representation of what they wanted the show to be: a dance concert that portrays how powerful emotions are if we let it flow.

Under the Spotlight

The event featured two shows: the matinee and the gala. GROUPMATEZ, Tytana Bailadores, MyCrewScope, Perpetual Dance Company, Letran Street Dance Crew, and NU Laguna Dance Troupe joined BEDANZ in the matinee show as they represented their universities. Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance was also present in both shows, with a surprise performance from Prof. Cynthia Manalo, BEDANZ’s club moderator, together with Dr. John Paul Domingo, the Vice Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education (SASE).

The opening act of the gala starts with the song “Simula” by Munimuni to set the mood  which shows that emotions can be confusing and overwhelming. All acts portray the confusion of not knowing one’s purpose in life, which is why we find comfort in others during difficult times. But being too dependent on these people unleashes envy and selfishness, which turns into rage and chaos when it overwhelms us. It won’t take long until it makes us feel sad and empty. The finale ended the concert with “Gravity” by John Mayer, which shows that we can break free from the emotions that pull us down.

In addition to BEDANZ, the gala showcased a new roster of talented guest performers, such as Dzhtine Bernardino, UBLS-Lifestyle, Lighthouse PH, Coastre Salonga, Marky Aguilar, Rhaf Paramo, Gio Mendoza and Carly Geluz, Yra, Gaveric Dado & Jann Yideso, Marco Ambion, Cy Alegre, and Xydrex Dale.

BEDANZ indeed stole the spotlight of the evening with their captivating performances as they transformed the stage into a mesmerizing spectacle during the gala show. Behind these dances are the meanings that each one holds. They presented a captivating lineup of five acts: Hidlaw, Alpas, Hili, Muhi, and Dalita, respectively. According to Lontok, “The five acts symbolize how we all go through these stages of emotions and how even after going through all of it, we may experience such emotions all over again — a loop.”

Dancing For Bright Futures

The event aimed to raise funds for The Marillac Foundation, a shelter for female youth who have been neglected and abused. It is a training center for young women that aims to rehabilitate and provide a path for them to grow as exceptional individuals. This foundation has been the dance troupe’s concert beneficiary for 16 years already, and they plan to continue supporting them and seeing them grow in the coming years. 

Dedicated to Their Passion and Loyalty

Emotions overflowed in this event because of BEDANZ's struggles during the process, performances, and paperwork. In addition to their beneficiary foundation, this concert was a heartfelt dedication to both the Batch 2022-2023 of the organization and their moderator, Prof. Cynthia Manalo.

Lontok pens a sweet message to those who attended the concert,“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng dumalo! BEDANZ hopes that our message of hope and reassurance came across from our hearts to yours.”