The fifth edition of Dance Surge, an interactive dance weekend, will be comprised of a series of virtual workshops and masterclasses, culminating in an online inter-high school freestyle battle.

Hosted by the Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company (SBRDC), the award-winning resident dance team of the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde, together with Benilde Culture and Arts Unit (CAU), they aim to make young movers experience the digital space of freestyle dancing as well as showcase and share their talents and techniques.

To kick off the event, resident dancers, alumni, and choreographers from SBRDC-Hip Hop and Contemporary will impart their tricks and techniques, steps and special moves, to elevate their respective fortes.

Sofia Montinola, an experienced classical ballet, hip hop and street jazz dancer, will facilitate free classes on contemporary dance. Meanwhile, Merwin Sampana, considered as the dance master of SBRDC-Hip Hop, will spearhead free sessions on choreography.

Masterclasses will be guided by industry professionals. Music producer, Aftermath Creative Director and Head Choreographer Josh Vidamo have joined forces with Bedanz Head Coach and Aftermath Dance Master Jemai De Guzman.

On the other hand, seasoned competitive street dancer and choreographer Edd Vicente will team up with ballet, jazz and hip hop performer Natasha Gerona.

The highlight of the event is the Inter-High-School Freestyle Battle of different dance troupes within and outside of Metro Manila. These performers will exhibit their very own artistic talents, plus distinct and innovative concepts.

The entries will be screened by a roster of professional freestylers headlined by “The Professor” or “Goodlock” James Wong, creative director of School of Goodlock and Team Fresh, creator of the Unlock Dance Program, dance coach of P-pop girl group KAIA, teacher at Nudefloor and member of Dance Over Styles, Househeadsph and Fire Rangers.

Joining the slate is Carlo “BlvckZik” Deleon, founder of the Anbu Clan, member of Team X and GSK and a national and international champion in the buck and krump categories.

The panel is completed by Keycee Velez II, dance mentor at Nudefloor and Women Beyond Dance PH, a member of the Philippine Chapter of the Imperial House of Waacking (IHOW) and a dance champion who has represented and earned awards for the country in different competitions in Singapore, Thailand, Korea and the United States.

Dance Surge 5 will run from Friday, May 20 to Saturday, May 22, 2022.

Interested participants may visit the official Facebook page of SBDC for more information.