Dededo dance group wins several championship titles in New Jersey | Lifestyle

Stargazers Dance Troupe, a Dededo dance team that has been carrying out for additional than 25 many years, brought home 7 general championships in a countrywide dance levels of competition.

“Seeing my group get was too much to handle since we labored hard on this,” said Mark Gonzales, the choreographer and director of Stargazers Dance Troupe.

“Who wouldn’t want to see your dancers get and see the glimpse in their faces and the joy in their spirits?” the 44-yr-old Dededo resident questioned.

The Which is Entertainment Undertaking Arts Competition took put in Atlantic Metropolis, New Jersey, July 7-10.

Thousands of miles from property, Guam dancers conquered the stage winning in the following classes:

• Minis’ Total Champions.
• 7-9 Several years Old General Modest Group Champions.
• 13-15 Years Old General Little Group Champions.
• 13-15 Yrs Aged Over-all Substantial Team Champions.
• 16-18 Many years Outdated All round Significant/Mega Group.
• Over-all Senior Duo/Trio.
• All round Adult Champions.
• In general Male Title: Michael Cajigal.
• All round Large Score.

Eirian Gonzales, a senior dancer for the troupe, could not handle her exhilaration when the host declared their gain.

“I was jumping up and down, tearing and screaming to the stage the place I missing my voice,” claimed the 14-12 months-old, who has been dancing for a lot more than 10 several years. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions.”

“I felt joyful and really happy,” the Yona resident explained. “All the tough function and plenty of several hours of apply that the dancers set in paid out off.”

Johanna Escribano, yet another senior dancer who’s been a member for 7 decades, shared the similar sentiment.

“I may have overdone the celebrations, but which is a offered,” said the 15-yr-aged. “I was predominantly leaping around and screaming ‘Stargazers!’ and ‘Guam!’ at the best of my lungs.”

Challenging journey

Preparing for a nationwide dance competitiveness intended sacrificing other aspects of their life.

Eirian Gonzales juggled university and apply, schooling for long hrs every working day and memorizing dances. It ordinarily requires her a week to study the choreography.

“I focused on a person point at a time,” she said. “When it was time for college, it was university. When it was time for dance, I danced. When I experienced free time, I would watch movies, analyze the moves and apply independently.

“I overcame these troubles with the enable of my spouse and children. They aided me by picking me up and dropping me off even with their busy routine.”

Escribano said it only takes her a day to learn a presented combo.

“The only rationale is because I wouldn’t halt at the studio,” she claimed. “I’d request for the new music or obtain it on my personal and follow in my room — with the lights off, songs on blast and just me in my space.”

Traveling without the need of her moms and dads, however, was a wrestle for Escribano.

“Knowing I can not share my exhilaration with them hurts me a tiny,” she mentioned. “It was really a great deal a mental struggle, and I was really homesick. We also experienced dancers go away for trip, and that limited us from making drastic adjustments to dances.”

Escribano was the good thing is in a position to contact her dad and mom and Facetime them every single now and then, which eased her intellect a little.

“As for the dancers that still left, we nonetheless had a several days right before the genuine competitiveness so we applied it to cram as lots of dances as attainable and cleanse them,” Escribano reported.

“Stargazers does not focus in tricks and flips (while we are willing to consist of them in our dances), but we like to explain to a tale by way of our lyrical and modern day dances,” she included. “I would say we are also more powerful in phrases of hitting the suitable beats and very energetic in our a lot more really hard-hitting dances, these kinds of as jazz and hip hop.”

Inspiring other individuals

Stargazers Dance Troupe hopes to continue on its winning streak in foreseeable future competitions when also hoping to encourage youths who want to start out dancing skillfully.

“I hope to carry on and inspire young dancers,” Mark Gonzales explained. “If anyone desires to pursue dance, obtain an corporation in which you really feel you suit in and in which you sense relaxed.”

Eirian Gonzales, who is passionate about the troupe, claimed that they are not just a dance team but a single huge spouse and children.

“My dance loved ones shares a enthusiasm for dancing and owning entertaining,” she stated. “I am passionate about dance because it is a area I can go every time and where ever dance is my safe area.”

She also recommended young dancers to generally shoot for the stars and to by no means give up on what they are passionate about.

Escribano agreed.

“Honestly, just do what you love,” Escribano reported. “Dance in your home with the lights off and discover your personal fashion. … Never be worried to move out of your comfort and ease zone. Oh, also locate the ideal studio and the proper persons.”