It’s understood by its organizers to be a “full body sensory experience,” one that “flawlessly showcases the passionate and immensely talented young people in the Lower Mainland in a positive and encouraging environment.”
Indeed, with 30 school teams from across the region registered for the Notorious Dance Competition — taking place at McRoberts secondary on March 4 — this fourth annual hip-hop showcase is likely to dazzle the curious onlooker and even the most dedicated artist or dancer.
The McRoberts crew will feature rookie-dancer Alanna Gallano, a Grade 9 student who will be taking part in her first Notorious Dance Competition.
“I thought it would be a good experience to try something different and meet new people,” said Alanna, of her decision to sign up.
Alanna will play a prominent role during parts of the dance.
So, how did she get such a role?
“I don’t really know. One day I came to practice and they said, ‘you’re in the centre,’ so I said ‘OK, cool!’” she chuckled.
Gallano and her team will be dancing to You Found Me by The Fray. It’s a song about finding oneself and that will be the theme the McRoberts squad hopes to project on its audience.
The dancers only get one shot at each elimination round of the competition, so the shoes need to be squeaky-clean and their movements need to be perfectly coordinated.
Ensuring this happens is largely up to dance and choreography coaches Rhea Casido, 20, and Mica Cobarrubia, 19.
Cobarrubia has been coaching the team for the past two years after being on the team in 2014, her Grade 12 year.
“It’s definitely different going from taking instructions to giving instructions,” she said.
Casido, who has been coaching the team for the past three years, said it will be important for the students to not only grasp the dance routine, but also the theme of the competition.
“It’s important for us all to find ourselves, especially in high school. In Grade 8 it can be a bit overwhelming, you don’t know anyone, you’re worried where to sit in the cafeteria. So hopefully they learn a little bit about themselves from this,” said Casido.
The event will include various acts that will be judged by a panel of experts in the field. A few hip-hop vendors will also be on site.
Each team will come to McRoberts to compete on March 4 at 6 p.m. the event will run about three hours long.
Tickets are on sale for $10 and only available through the McRoberts office. There will be no tickets at the door. For more information contact Wasanthi Naidu at 604-668-6800.
- EdCom is produced by the Richmond School District and published by the Richmond News.
