Turning Up The Heat: LSDC-Street Gears Up for Gold This UAAP Season 87

The dynamic world of street dance is constantly evolving, and this season, the La Salle Dance Company (LSDC)-Street is ready to set the stage ablaze with one defining word for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87: Fresh. With innovation at its core, the Lasallian community can expect electrifying performances, cutting-edge choreography, and a whole new level of artistry that pushes boundaries and redefines the game.

Team captain Mori Ruiz reveals that this season, the team is taking a bold new approach, one that sets it apart from previous routines. Before the pandemic, the street dance competition was primarily centered on skills and technical mastery. But in the last two years, the landscape has completely shifted, moving beyond pure technical precision to a more concept-driven approach, where creativity and storytelling take center stage. This transformation marks a fresh, dynamic era not only for LSDC but for street dance as a whole.

As they gear up for Season 87, the LSDC initially resisted the shift toward a more conceptual format by staying true to their longstanding focus on technique above all else. However, after recognizing the evolving landscape of street dance, the team embraced the challenge of adaptation. This season, they are unveiling something entirely fresh, not just in the concept they have crafted but in their overall approach to the competition. A key turning point in this transformation was the appointment of a new artistic director, Coach Dhztine Bernardino, whose distinct style brings a dynamic and unconventional flair to the team. With Season 87 on the horizon, the team is eager to showcase their bold new direction.

Ruiz revealed that the LSDC began their preparations with an intensive brainstorming session, with the team aiming to settle the dilemma of whether to embrace the conceptual route or remain true to their traditional approach first and foremost. Once the direction was set, ideas started flowing, and each member pitched concepts and possibilities for what they could bring to the stage. Storytelling has long been a cornerstone of LSDC’s performances, and while it’s a familiar strength, this season presents an opportunity to elevate it in a way that feels fresh and unexpected.

Beyond setting goals, the team holds a steadfast tradition of gathering for a prayer circle before every training session and performance. Ruiz emphasized that “Praying isn’t just worshipping the Lord, it’s also setting the spiritual vibe of the team, na for this training ito yung kailangan nating mindset.” As they conclude their prayer, the LSDC proudly chant, “2,4,6,8, Who do we appreciate? De La Salle BoöTeS,” as a homage to the De La Salle BoöTeS, the all-boys crew that paved the way as the University’s original street dance team.

Aside from the new challenges that may come with their new approach this season, Ruiz stated, “Gusto naming maipakita to the dance community even the general public na we can still cook up something new or something fresh.” The inspiration behind this season’s routine is deeply rooted in the creative vision of their coach, the founder of the Autonomicass Crew — a team known for its signature fusion of mellow songs and dynamic “sprak” choreography. Ruiz shared the team’s admiration for Autonomicass’ ability to consistently deliver witty and unconventional performances. One standout example was their choreography set to Regine Velasquez’s “Palasyo”, with the crew seamlessly integrating the imagery of Angkas riders into their routine.

But every season brings change. Veterans move on and fresh talents enter the scene. For LSDC, the team is now composed mostly of rookies and juniors, with only a handful of senior members remaining. Despite this shift, Ruiz emphasized the unwavering dedication of the new faces, all of which are eager to showcase their craft. While there is still room for growth, as expected, the captain shared that the team continuously pushes one another to reach new heights, as LSDC fosters a culture of progress and excellence with every practice. Ruiz always reminds the team: “Let’s do more, let’s be stronger, let’s aim to be champion or aim to be in the podium this time around.”

Alongside the transition to new artistic leadership, LSDC has also undergone a stylistic shift from old-school hip-hop to the fresh energy of new-school hip-hop. Navigating this evolution and staying ahead remains an ongoing challenge as the team adapts to its changing dynamics. Ruiz shared that, at present, they are still in the process of adjusting to their new environment.

But for Season 87, LSDC’s mission is clear — to proudly represent La Salle in the dynamic world of street dance. Ruiz expressed their desire for the Lasallian community to recognize that there’s more to university athletics than mainstream sports such as basketball, volleyball, or cheerdance. Street dance holds its own rich history and depth, yet remains largely unexplored by many. Ruiz explained, “They only see what they see. They don’t know ano pinaghuhugutan ng streetdance, ano yung history, ano yung iba’t-ibang styles.” Through their performance, LSDC hopes to shed light on the artistry, passion, and culture behind street dance, and to prove that it deserves the same level of admiration and recognition from the community.

Ruiz highlighted the multifaceted nature of street dance, with the captain emphasizing its deep-rooted artistry within the community. She explained that street dance is more than movement, it’s a reflection of history, resilience, and cultural expression. Ruiz shared, “Not only do we have the history of being grounded, it’s also the history of marginalized communities from the U.S., from the Philippines, from all around the world.” With this in mind, LSDC is determined to shed light on the true depth of street dance to the Lasallian community and its significance beyond the stage.

When asked about the significance of winning the trophy this season, Ruiz shared that securing the championship would mark a triumphant comeback for LSDC. After facing challenges in the past two seasons, the team is setting its sights higher than ever, and the team is determined to reclaim its place at the top. Looking ahead, they plan to celebrate their hard-fought journey during their post-season teambuilding, and to use that as an opportunity to unwind, reflect, and momentarily step back after months of relentless training since January.

And with that, the LSDC team captain has one message for the Lasallian community: “Expect something new from LSDC-Street and we hope you guys appreciate what we have prepared for you.”

Show your all-out support for the La Salle Dance Company-Street as they take centerstage tomorrow, May 20, 3 PM onwards, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.