By NIKOLE JAVIER
Rock and roll fans of the 60s and 70s are likely to dance with gusto as National University will use Elvis Presley as its theme and inspiration when it defends its crown in Saturday’s UAAP Season 86 Cheerdance Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The legendary American singer – and sometimes actor – was glorified being “King” of rock and Roll during his era and NU Pep Squad hopes to give old fans of the music genre a nice trip down the memory lane when they perform to the tune of Presley’s hit songs before an expected huge crowd.
NU is also seeking its eight title in 10 seasons and members of the squad intend to give former head coach Ghicka Bernabe a fitting tribute after leaving the squad to move to Germany after last year’s win.
Another win for NU will put them on level with the UP Pep Squad and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe for the most UAAP CDC championship wins.
Despite the departure of Bernabe, the NU Pep Squad remains in good hands with
former deputy Gabriel Bajacan now handling the team.
But NU is facing a stiff challenge this time as the seven other squads vowed to put a show of their own to prevent Nu from the winning the league’s biggest single event.
For one, Season 85 runner-up FEU Cheering Squad has opted to explore an unfamiliar theme this season with a video game Superior Mario concept — a foreign character from its usual use of pop icons.
The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe is hoping to bring the house down with popular Korean girl group Blackpink performance in its bid to improve from its third place-finish last season.
The last time UST triumphed was in 2006.
The rest of the field is also excited to show their year’s worth of preparation, with Season 85 fourth placer UE Pep looking to give a nostalgic feel from its 90’s Anime theme.
Adamson Cheering Squad and UP will be giving their all in a routine inspired by Trolls and Alapaap themes, respectively.
DLSU Animo Squad and Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion, who finished seventh and eighth last year, will be showing off their dance moves with “High Energy” and Superbowl as inspiration.
Teams will be given five to six minutes to complete their routine and are allowed 30 seconds to recover after their final pose.
In addition to the usual judges, the league has also invited a Malaysian judge for the competition.
The competition will air in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel. It will also be available on free-to-air One Sports.
Pilipinas LIVE will also bring the event for free for both local and global subscribers.
