ABS-CBN and Nathan Studios’ new dance survival reality show “Time To Dance” turned its spotlight to seven hopefuls from different local dance communities, who shared their stories and struggles during the show’s pilot episode last Saturday (January 18).
During the show’s mediacon, New Gen Dance Champ Gela Atayde shared how she wants to shed light to the realities of being a Filipino dancer.
“Here in “Time To Dance” I want to inspire kasi I had dance teammates who weren’t financially stable. That was when the realization hit me that I want to be able to help because I am privileged enough,” she said.
Meanwhile, World of Dance Philippines director Vimi Rivera emphasized how “Time To Dance” strives to showcase the Filipino dance community.
“It’s not just a dance competition or a survival show na ang focus ay kung sino ang pinakamagaling. We’re trying our best to showcase the whole dance community para makita rin ng general public kung gaano kataas ‘yung art form and the hours that we give to improve our skills,” Coach Vimi said.
The pilot episode showed dance council members World of Dance PH finalist Ken San Jose and celebrity choreographer Jobel Dayrit tearing up as one of the dance hopefuls, Marlon, expressed how he struggled to earn money through dancing in order to buy medicine for his father.
“My father got diagnosed with cancer. I came here to the Philippines to take care of him as well. I remember fighting for my life din on that stage just like what you did. You’re not alone, you give me hope,” Ken said to Marlon.
“Time To Dance” host Robi Domingo turned emotional as dance hopeful and breadwinner Ron shared how he juggles between being a dancer, a family man, and a small business owner. Robi shared that he hopes to be responsible like Ron once he becomes a father.
Another dance hopeful, Paulo, shared how he stopped dancing because of his brother’s death and how he wishes to earn money so that he can go back to school. Young dancers Ice, Cheva, and Alex expressed the challenges they face in finding balance between studying and dancing, while Cherry aired how she navigates life independently after leaving her family who doesn’t support her passion.
After performing 1-minute dance routines, six dance hopefuls Ice, Cherry, Paulo, Alex, Ron, and Marlon advanced to the next round and became part of the 12 official dance contenders, who will undergo intensive training with Gela and champion dance coaches and battle it out in challenges in the coming weeks.
Next week, find out who among the next 10 hopefuls will advance to the next round and complete the 12 official dance contenders. Catch the newest dance survival reality show “Time To Dance” every Saturday, 8:30 pm on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, MYX, and TFC.
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