It will be double the treat for UAAP Cheerdance fans, as one of the league's flagship competitions gets underway for a second time this year—a first in the tournament's storied history.
2022 will be one for the ages for the UAAP Cheerdance competition.
Among the most anticipated events in the UAAP for the longest time now, the cheerdance tournament was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. But it made a grand return last May as part of Season 84. Seven months later, another cheerdance competition will be taking place, this time as a showcase for Season 85. That means two cheerdance tournaments will be held in the same year—a first in the competition’s storied history.
The Season 85 UAAP Cheerdance competition is slated to be held on December 10, Saturday, at the Mall of Asia Arena, with the order of performance set as thus:
This competition promises to be dynamic and exciting—as has always been the case. And just like past tournaments, this one scheduled just 15 days before Christmas will have plenty of storylines that figure to make this upcoming competition a must-watch.
But before we explore such storylines, here is a quick refresher first:
FEU pulled off a shocker back in May, upending three-peat seeking NU and winning its third UAAP Cheerdance plum.
Joining FEU in the podium in Season 84 were Adamson (second place) and NU (third place)
FEU is fourth all-time in UAAP Cheerdance wins with three titles. At joint first are UP and UST with eight championships each, followed by NU with six. Adamson is the only other university to have won a cheerdance title.
Season 84 took on a changing-of-the-guard vibe, as perennial underdogs FEU and Adamson finished 1-2, respectively, after placing 2-3 in each of the previous competitions (2018 and 2019).
Last May was the eight straight competition UP failed to win the title—quite long for the perennial powerhouse and eight-time champ. UST, another eight-time champion, is in the same boat, with its drought now at 14 consecutive tournaments.
Season 84 was not short on drama as well, with NU coach Ghicka Bernabe questioning the competition’s judging process.
Now, let’s take a look at the storylines to keep an eye on:
The NU revenge tour. The 2010s saw NU emerge as the cheerdance superpower, winning six of the past eight competitions—including a four-peat from 2013–2016 and back-to-back in 2018 and 2019. But FEU denied NU a three-peat back in May, and now the National U Pep Squad is out for vengeance, especially after Coach Bernabe’s insinuations of shoddy judging.
Breaking the drought. For the longest time, the cheerdance crown pretty much alternated between UP and UST, but neither has reigned supreme since 2012. That’s a long time for the two old guards, and best believe they will be looking to get back to their winning ways.
Pining for a breakthrough. In 2017, Adamson broke through, shocking the competition with a Cinderella finish. Season 85 might see another breakthrough, with UE as a most likely dark horse to the crown.
Bigger, bolder stunts. Since the UAAP introduced the Group Stunts Competition, the stunts have only gotten bigger, bolder, and better. Expect more of the same in Season 85.
Indeed, the UAAP Cheerdance competition for Season 85 is shaping up to be yet another classic—like an early Christmas gift for UAAP fans. So, good luck getting those tickets! You wouldn’t want to miss this yearend treat.