Cheerdance competition returns old format

c/o UAAP

The Cheerdance Competition for the 85th season of the UAAP will be reverting back to old format when the action starts on December 10.

Last season's format saw a maximum of fifteen performers doing a three-minute routine, something rooted with pandemic-related restrictions.

This time, fans at the Mall of Asia Arena will be able to witness between fifteen and twenty-five performers do a six-minute routine.

Special events committee chairwoman Gigi Kamus of the University of Santo Tomas shares, "Mas maraming time yung mga performers to enjoy their routine. We will have a full house this time. We will have drums, two bass, and two snares."

Defending champion Far Eastern University is looking forward to this weekend, with FEU Cheering Squad head coach Randel San Gregorio saying, "Excited pa rin. First time magde-defend ang FEU in 13 years. Sana mabuo namin. Mas triple ang kaba kaysa sa excitement. Ibang level ng pressure ito."

He adds, "If we win again, we will win two in a row in one year. Baka hindi na maulit ito."

San Gregorio also shares, "We focused on conditioning also. Sana buo lahat tayo on Saturday so we can give a great show for the crowd. We wish everyone the best performance possible."

Serving as the main opposition in FEU's title defense is National University, with the NU Pep Squad set to have a "Cheer-obics" routine.

NU head coach Ghicka Bernabe notes, "We focused also sa dance ngayon. we focused extra time for that. Very mae-enjoy lahat. Feeling ko mas alive ngayon."

She adds about their preparations, "From Season 84, nagmadali tayo. At least ngayon, I think it's more than enough to prepare for this competition."

As for head judge Paula Nunag, she says, "This competition on Saturday is very exciting. They will be able to showcase their passion."

The order of performances, has been pre-determined, with the order as follows: Adamson, UE, UST, DLSU, Ateneo, FEU, NU, and UP.