World Hiphop Dance Champion Gela Atayde expressed her gratitude to ABS-CBN for allowing her to be an instrument of hope to aspiring dancers across the country.
Gela, youngest daughter of veteran actress-film producer Sylvia Sanchez and businessman Art Atayde, said she was very happy to have been tapped as host of the survival dance reality show “Time to Dance” a collaboration between ABS-CBN and Nathan Studios that started airing last Saturday night.
“All I want is really to front all the dancers here. It is really their show. I am very excited to showcase their journeys and hope their stories will inspire the viewers,” the 22-year-old De La Salle University AB Communication Arts student said.
“Their stories must be seen and must be heard by the people especially in the dance community. It’s really great to be a part of this. I am very thankful to ABS-CBN,” Gela explained as she emphasized her great passion relating the show.
Gela’s host partner in the newest dance show is Robi Domingo while the judges are Ken San Jose and Vimi Rivera.
Gela, who is also making inroads in acting, admitted that dancing is close to her heart. But she is hopeful she could excel in both at the same time.
“Dancing is close to my heart, but then first love ko is acting. That is my ultimate dream. Upon entering show business, I want to showcase this talent of mine. Masarap makilala bilang dancer, but bilang artista, this is something I want to work on. Gusto ko na pong umarte.”
She went on to share sound advice to the show’s participants — and that is for them to simply trust themselves and train hard to make their performance extra special.
“Do it alone, do it scared, and do it with pride. Just do it. Just trust your body because if you know that you rehearse enough and you do very well in practice and training, it will come out during the contest on stage,” Gela explained.
Gela also thanked Star Magic, mom Sylvia Sanchez, and Lauren Dyogi for believing in her.
She considers “Time To Dance” an advocacy project.
“I want to be able to help those who want to learn about dance and inspire,” she added.
Gela is part of Legit Status, the dance crew that won the 2023 World Hiphop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, beating 54 other dance groups from all over the world.
Relating the title, Gela said, “I am grateful na binigay po sa akin. I do live by the title now.”
She is hoping to work with Sarah Geronimo, Billy Crawford, and Gary “Mr. Pure Energy” Valenciano some day.
