NO one moves with a groove like Bedanz on a stove. Wait, stove doesn’t rhyme there, but whatever it was they were cooking had them serving looks and turning eyes on the dancefloor as they owned the grounds of Chang Kai Shek on the 24th of February, 2024 for the 54th Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (WNCAA) Street Dance Competition. 

THE STEP

The Bedanz Queens proved their rule over their dominion as they faced the crowd first. They set the stage for the seniors' division as they started the show with a fresh fiery style, standing out among all the competitors. In a classy show of grace and elegance, the Bedanz Queens showed their swag to the rhythm and blues of “That Girl” by Justin Timberlake for their main performance. In striking white coats and black corsets, the audience was easily captivated, irresistibly loving “That Girl”. The smooth motions with influences from waving, were complimented by the stark sharp moves that gave an edge to the girls. Showcasing how she locks, Marjoree B. Quibael (II BSP) gave the watchers a show worth their time in a battle against Assumption College. 

THE BEAT

A step into the field was all the Queens needed as they were empowered by the energy of the crowd. “My smile widened because we really didn’t expect people cheering for us when we were called,” Zoe Sua-an (II BACMS) narrated as she talked about their entrance. It wasn’t a competition they went to, as the scene had quickly shifted into a communal experience, a passionate exchange of skills and talents with how welcoming every person, in the crowd and the benches, was. “It’s like we just came here to show and share our similar passion or talents, ” Sua-an added.  

THE HEART

Miss Cynthia Manalo, or Ms. M as the girls call her, could be one of, if not, the biggest supporters of Bedanz. Jaira Galvez (II BSP) mentioned: “She would always make sure that we could easily spot her from the crowd” in a shirt branding San Beda, waving balloons, and cheering behind the judges. She was the heart of Bedanz for the event, having a “smile and excitement [that] made us feel so elated,” with an infectious energy that hyped them up. “She never failed to show her love and support towards us. Ms. M’s vibrant and motherly personality had grown in me as she would care for us as if we were her own children.“ Jai added.

THE GROOVE

“Our first runner-ups for the seniors' division… our first runner-up is: SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG!” — were the few words that rang again and again in the ears of the Queens. They finished in second, beating Miriam College in third and falling short of the championship to the University of Asia and the Pacific, marking a first in years, Miss Manalo mentioned that the last win for Bedanz was way before the pandemic, proving their growth with the feat. 

“When we got that win, it felt like all of our hard work finally paid off,” Sua-an said, adding: “We try to encourage or motivate each other to push through since it’s a once-a-year chance… When we won it gave me the strength to show my gratitude and love to all the people who believed in us.” with Galvez further explaining, adding “The win meant a lot for the team… I believe it helped us appreciate the growth we have achieved not only as individuals but also as a whole— as a family. ” 

A lasting memory for the queens: 

“Nak, lagi kayo mag iismile dahil nakakahawa yan, kahit magkamali kayo, kung mag lalagay kayo ng magandang expression sa mukha di mapapansin yan,” Miss Cynthia Manalo, 2024.