The UP Streetdance Club (UPSDC) emerged as the collegiate champion of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Streetdance Competition, held May 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Under the guidance of head coach Ariel Alba and the leadership of team captains Giulia Añasco and Julius Caezar Lumanog, UPSDC wowed the crowd with a magic-themed routine that saw the team change costumes and colors four times, from black to purple, red, and gold.
The routine stood out for their excellent execution of the theme, seamlessly integrating costume changes, prop usage, gimmicks, and choreography, earning resounding cheers from the live audience and the team 44.80 points for their artistry and 44.60 points for their execution.
The win ended an eight-year drought for the club, whose last trophy was in 2016 at the tail end of a three-peat that began in 2013. They are now tied with the La Salle Dance Company–Street for the most streetdance championships in UAAP history at four each.
“Actually, matagal na namin tinatry ‘eh na mag-champion. Ang galing lang din talaga ng mga schools ngayon. Iba na iyong laban talaga, so kailangan mag-prepare nang mas maaga para mas makapag-isip ng bagong piyesa at maging pulido ang lahat. Sana ito na iyong start ng dynasty,” Alba said.
UP has missed the podium only once in the entire history of the competition in 2019 when DLSU, Far Eastern University, and National University stepped onto the podium that year.
The competition is the last event of Season 87 and part of the UAAP closing ceremonies.