Pack with audience, the University Gym was hot with the intensity of the competition, not to mention the passion of the cheer dancers. The contestants from different college departments were determined to win; however, only one could be champion.
Hearts pounded to the beat of the drums when the program was opened by the UC Percussion and Orchestra. The group made the crowd scream out in excitement when they performed I Want You to Know by Zedd ft. Selena Gomez and Twerk it Like Miley by Brandon Beal. Not a usual performance as they not only played their instruments but also danced to the beat themselves!
After that was the performance of the UC Wushu Team. Reminiscent of a Jet Li movie, with all the matching background music, even their coach did a gold-medal-worthy solo performance.
The third performance to open the program was by the UC Taekwondo Team. Full of gimmicks, the crowd was quite entertained by these taekwondoins especially when they incorporated modern dance to their routines. Balloons popped, roses flew, some stumbled on purpose - nevertheless, it was all entertaining.
As the Cheer Dance Competition being a part of this year's Intramural, the competition and the games officially started by the lighting of the torch by the UC Judo Team. After their short performance, tension and excitement, meme style, escalated quickly.
The first one to rock the gym was the College of Criminal Justice Education. Their Robot Cop was surely a crowd favorite as the crowd roared for him. Playfully silly in his dance move, he roamed around, spreading smiles and laughs. Did I mention he has that futuristic laser gun too? Their outfit was simple; however, it did not show a particular theme. Still, they put on the bar on a relatively high justice.
Next up was the College of Accountancy. This college was on a long winning spree and they still are - I will spare you of the details that might spoil you. Second on the list but not secondary on their energy. Their lifting and high jumps were all on point. Their mascot, an Eagle or Falcon woman (needs confirmation), was elegant as a lady going out to a prom. Their outfit was clean and green, if I may say so. However, just like the first performer, they did not have a particular theme.
Third to grace the battlefield was the College of Hotel and Tourism Management. They maintained the excitement of the crowd by bringing everyone to Las Vegas with their Royal Flush-ish antics, if that is even a word. Surely, everyone went crazy when the luxurious voice of Shirley Bassey ringed to their ears. The feeling was ecstatic; the shiny props, the burlesque music, and the sexy atmosphere. Talking about waking up in Vegas!
Next up: The Suicide Squad of the College of Information Technology and Computer Science. Talk about permanent smile, their makeup was spot on: Harlequin. The only sad part is when they used giant cards as props. Coincidence or not, the performer before them already used the same props. They have an eerie-looking Baymax with them though!
Yellow means money for the fifth performers - the College of Business Administration. Geishas, umbrellas, flags, and that gigantic wad of cash as their mascot. Put your money where your mouth is but that cash is too much, in a good way.
Let the teachers show you how it is done as the College of Teacher Education danced it out. Joy was present too! Equally competitive as the others; however, their theme was too simple as some. Still, they brought everyone to school.
Bring in the nurses, please! Seventh to make the crowd go wild was the College of Nursing. Oh my, their goddess mascot administered the heat! Just like some of the performers before, they wore standard cheerdance outfit.
The crowd went wilder than ever when the College of Arts and Sciences went center stage. Everything was consistent; from the Mayan looks, the Mayan sound, and to the mascot which is a totemic Eagle-man. Their routines were fresh and their jigs were noticeably different from all of the other contestants.
Last and definitely not the least was the College of Engineering and Architecture. Maroon with the Ivy League feel, they took over the arena with their Katniss Everdeen mascot.
As the dust settled, the College of Arts and Sciences emerged victorious! CAS took home all awards - Champion, the Best Mascot and the Best in Costume award. CHTM and COA came in second and third, respectively.
