By Ricky J. Bautista
BASEY, Samar – The vibrant streets of Basey will come alive on September 28, 2024, with the highly anticipated “Basayaw” Street Dance Competition, a colorful and festive event that aims to celebrate the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Organized as part of the annual fiesta, the competition will showcase the creative talents of the youth, while highlighting the Legend of Bungansakit, the origin story of Basey.
The competition is open to all elementary and secondary schools in Basey, with each school sending one group to represent their institution. Each group is composed of 30 members, including 20 street dancers and 10 propsmen or musicians. The performers will parade through key points of the town, continuing their lively performances for the judges and spectators along the route.
The competition’s theme, “The Legend of Bungansakit: The Origin of Basey”, encourages participants to creatively interpret and depict the town’s folklore through their performances.
Costumes, props, and music will play a crucial role in each group’s presentation, with emphasis on cultural relevance and visual appeal. While traditional elements are encouraged, groups are also allowed to incorporate modern music and contemporary dance styles, provided they stay true to the theme.
The Basayaw Street Dance Competition promises thrilling performances, with awards and prizes for the best groups. The Champion will receive Php7,000, while the First Runner-up and Second Runner-up will take home Php5,000 and Php4,000, respectively. Non-winning participants will receive a Php2,000 consolation prize.
The judging criteria for the competition include the Interpretation of the Theme (30%), Choreography and Execution (30%), Costumes and Props (20%), Music and Musicality (10%), and Overall Impact (10%). Judges will assess the groups not only on their creativity and synchronization but also on their ability to engage the audience and represent Basey’s cultural heritage.
With performances expected to bring both traditional and contemporary dance elements to life, the Basayaw Street Dance Competition will be one of the highlights of Basey’s fiesta celebration, promoting creativity, teamwork, and community spirit among the town’s youth.
Stay tuned for this exciting event that will not only entertain but also remind everyone of Basey’s historical roots.
