By Janina Calma and Reyham Baesa 

When you pass the covered courts or the dance room, you catch a glimpse of them –  eyes alight with determination, hardened by focus, weighed down by exhaustion with hours of training ahead. Draw the curtains just before programs and school events and you’ll witness them in huddles, stretching and going over their routines to ensure a smooth performance – poised with anticipation. Often, you’ll catch them on the stage with their game faces on, owning the floor and dancing as if it was as easy as breathing. Reigning as kings and queens of the dance floor, carrying their crowns with humble honor – who are they beyond that?

As the premier dance organization of the Ateneo de Manila High School, the Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan (IndAK) carries the crown as the kings and queens of the dance floor. They are a group of skill, talent, and perseverance whose grit has brought home numerous victories. Last January 25, IndAK competed in the renowned Dance Supremacy, an international dance competition open for any crew street dancers where eminent university dance teams vie for the crown. It surely was not an easy journey, but it was one filled with diligence and determination, as the queens finished seventh, while the kings hailed and prevailed, winning the championship. 

Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown

No crown is easy to wear; it is no match to a one-size-fits-all notion. It is heavy as it carries the majesty and duty of not only portraying their elegant, yet abrupt motions but also the school’s name. Indeed, only those who sincerely love are treasured by the encrusted diadem. 

This holds true for Lorin Tan, a Grade 11 student from 11-Angelis. Being a student, a member of IndAK, and the Internal Undersecretary of the Council of Student Committees (CSC) is no laughing matter. However, as she mentions, “Outside of dancing, I think, I am just a person who really likes to give my best and do everything at score.” Her words encapsulate a testament to both her art and her commitments.

Speaking of art, music and dance appear to be interwoven art forms. Having been in IndAK for two and three years respectively, Jamie Linco of 11-Goupil and Fonzy Sevilla 11-Perez have discovered that this is a fundamental truth. Outside of IndAK, they are more than merely orgmates — like music and dance, they are inseparable as Alitaptap’s guitarist and vocalist — roles that speak to their shared creative energy. Both of them concur that they aspire to be regarded as well-balanced students who are good not just in dance and music but also in the classroom. 

In such a way, these extracurricular activities present them with a means of self-expression. Sevilla reflects, “I like having a good balance, especially when it comes to acads and music.” However, with such a heavy crown, their ability to balance and keep it from dropping is unparalleled. They recalled a period when they had shared challenges as monarchs of two dominions. Once, they had to give up their concert at a school fair, which coincided with their academic lives – notably their school retreat and IndAK training. Nevertheless, through it all, they demonstrated love for their art and studies through perseverance and drive — keeping and holding their chins up high as the weight of the crown they carry settles on their head. 

The Weight of the Throne that Shapes its Rulers

A king without a throne is nothing but a student without a book — this sets IndAK apart from the flock. They are kings and queens not just on the dance floor, but also in their respective subjects. However, this throne is not predefined by shimmers and glory; it, too, comes with its own set of obstacles and tribulations, much like IndAK’s road to this year’s Dance Supremacy Kings and Queens. 

For IndAK’s core, burnout is unavoidable — they play on and off the dance floor. According to their observations, the majority of these sentiments occur at the beginning of training, when the team welcomes new members and establishes chemistry and a foundation. They also stated that the academic and extra-curricular workload, along with external variables, discourage them. In the core’s continual pursuit of the throne, they would occasionally question if they were doing things correctly. However, Jean Justo, the Organization Vice Head of IndAK, says, “…never ako napagod magbigay for the group.” IndAK Team Captain Stephen Materum agrees, stating, “We still find a way to be each other’s pillar.” These setbacks also allowed them to appreciate the brighter side of life — the life-giving qualities of IndAK. 

What could be more life-giving than spending time with others who share your passion? One of the means IndAK differs from other groups is that they connect and know one another outside of the dance floor. They revealed that during training, they would frequently tap or even push each other, literally and figuratively, which is something they do not just for anybody, but for those who share their love for dance. 

With the same love of dance, they find reasons to persevere and keep going despite the team’s slumps and hardships. It’s easier said than done, but acting on it and carrying out their words, “kaya pa namin,” requires much more strength and power. Nonetheless, after months and years of training, Justo contemplated, “We learned grit in its most authentic way.” 

While Wackyboy Buenaventura, IndAK’s Junior Representative, and the rest of the juniors, have not competed in Dance Supremacy before, watching their seniors previously and now practicing with them serve as a fortress to prevail and perpetuate the IndAK tradition. With each training feeling like it was their first, but giving it their all as if it were their last, they made it a point to give in and give it all to the very top.

In line with this, Audie Secerio, the Organization Head, couldn’t help but feel delighted and proud when he witnessed the juniors in flesh, competing for their spot in IndAK. Initially, he saw that some members were hesitant to commit to the group. But now, with bliss, he conveys that these juniors are working hard for the championship. Certainly, they have found a family among the lights of IndAK.

All heart. All out. IndAK. One up!

“All heart. All out. IndAK. One up!” often echoes in the hall as IndAK gears up for a performance; a motto that epitomizes the very essence of being in this family — giving and being their all. 

If there is one thing that IndAK shares besides their skill of dancing, it is their love for dancing. For them, these difficulties are bearable so long as they endure with all heart — remembering their passion for this craft. It is more than performing and competing, it is seeing each other grow and improve as hours of training pass by. As Sevilla reflects on their beloved craft, “we do it, all of it—the training, ‘yung diet, kahit nakakapagod, because we love doing it.”

The secretary of IndAK, Aliyah Pelayo, mentioned how understanding “all out,” at a surface level may look like it’s all about giving their best, when in fact, it puts emphasis on team excellence — growth not only as individuals but as one IndAK. It encapsulates the very essence of selfless service to their family, emphasizing that going all out doesn’t only mean giving your best for yourself, but for your team to inspire and rekindle passion and determination.

IndAK, giving all heart and being all out, exemplifies the essence of team dynamics — the interwoven significance of training together, hyping each other up, and pushing each other beyond comfort zones. Linco mused over the role of chemistry between dancers, stating that “kahit gaano [sila] kagaling, kita mo kapag walang chemistry.” Members of IndAK and core alike shared the importance of bonding through and beyond dancing, ensuring a strong support system in times of struggles, whether it’s about the choreography, conditioning, or their personal conflicts. 

Above all, their motto embodies “for whom.” In times of aching muscles and sore bodies, during conflicting schedules and overwhelming feelings, in the midst of the pressure as the competition approaches, they dance through it — for themselves, for each other, for their supporters, and for God. As Ateneans, they are compelled to reign. “Ateneo gave us the opportunity to grow as IndAK. More than that, syempre thankful kami for the gift of dancing, movement, and music, kaya syempre its important –  it’s about giving back,” says Materum as he reminisces with a heart of gratitude. 

There is nothing more for IndAK to do but to preserve the majesty and throne they hold so dearly — a crown which they already have within themselves on the dance floor and elsewhere beyond. As the kings and queens wear their coronets with humble pride and go up the throne, their dedication, focus, and passion are truly their moving grace toward the title. 

Last January 25, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire, with their game faces on and heads poised with anticipation for the crown, they took command and owned the stage for another year of Dance Supremacy.