MANILA – Maria Angela Campo “Gela” Atayde is set to compete in the 2023 World Hip Hop Dance Championship, slated from July 30 to August 6 at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa ballroom in Phoenix, Arizona.
Atayde, along with her dance group Legit Status, secured their qualification to compete in the US after clinching the runner-up spot in the 2023 Hip Hop International Nationals held last May at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
Gela, the sister of actor and Quezon City first district Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, mentioned that their training has intensified the past few weeks as the competition draws near.
“As of now, we practice five times a week, but as the competition gets closer and as our fundraising concert gets closer, we are transitioning to everyday training,” Gela said in a statement.
“It is an honor to be able to represent the country in this competition. This has been a dream of mine since the start of my dance career,” added the 21-year-old actress and dancer.
Gela and the Legit Status dance group will be going up against approximately 100 international teams in the Megacrew division, which requires a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 40 members.
“This competition is a big deal to a lot of dancers around the world, and it’s something we really look forward to every year both as competitors and audiences,” Gela said.
“In total, we are more than a hundred already, but the competing members are 40,” she added. “The senior choreographers help in putting the whole piece together through collaborating with the different styles they specialize in.”
The Legit Status dance group is composed of various talented individuals, including Vimi Rivera (director), Shayna Young Rivera (coach), and senior choreographers Judd de los Reyes, Erik Cruz, Tank Bautista, Jigoro Grasasin, Dune Mondejar, Jesse Rafael, Francis Del Mundo, Emerson Marte, Keith De Guzman, Sebastian Mangrobang, and Paul Pavlos.
“I’m thankful to coach Vimi for his trust, patience, and understanding with me, and my work keeps me grounded, especially because two of the things I’m doing require utmost commitment,” Atayde said.
“The confidence coming from my coach motivates me to always push harder because I get to do the two things I love the most at the same time, despite how hectic and tiring it all is,” she added./PN
