The lights began to dim in the Pigott Auditorium as students dressed to the nines filed in and found their seats. Anticipation hung in the air as Seattle University’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) prepared to begin their first annual “Dancing With RHA” competition March 2.
“I am a reality TV junkie, I would say. I love reality TV,” Gabby Prado, director of programming for RHA and second-year criminal justice major, said. “I really got into Dancing with the Stars this last season because my roommate was a dancer. I just feel so much joy watching those people put all this work into something they didn’t believe they could do and I was like that is exactly the energy I want to bring here.”
As the name suggests, the event was based on the structure of the hit reality TV show “Dancing with the Stars.” Students with dance experience were paired with “stars,” or those who had never danced before. These stars represented a wide range of clubs and student groups, from student government to Women’s Golf. The pairs then had only two weeks to choreograph and learn a dance to a song of their choice before performing in front of a panel of judges as well as a live audience.
“We really tried to reach out to cultural clubs and dance clubs to find these pro dancers, but we also really wanted to focus on getting stars who really represented a vast majority of different people on campus,” Prado said. “I think a really big focus in our vision was just making sure that we’re not only entertaining but also doing it for a good cause and being able to represent people who maybe don’t have the platform to do so themselves. We had such a vast group of people who have a bunch of different experiences, I think that’s the best part of all of it.”
Four pairs competed representing a variety of dance styles for a panel of judges including Assistant Residential Community Coordinators Elizabeth Armour and Maria Gonzalez, as well as surprise guest Rudy the Redhawk.
The competition was kicked off by Ren Meyers as choreographer, and Andrew Fletcher representing Chess Club. The duo performed a high-energy hip-hop routine to “Sticky” from Tyler, The Creator’s most recent album Chromakopia. Their electricity and expressive movements earned them a solid total score of 24 out of 30 possible points from the judges.
Meyers and Fletcher were followed by choreographer Krystal Guo and Triangle Club representative Masee Anderson performing an upbeat, Barbie-inspired routine to “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa. Their performance included impressive gymnastics moments and rapid footwork, earning them eights across the board with a final score of 24 points.
Between performances, the audience was given chances to win various prizes through trivia, spontaneous dance-offs and raffles. Winners took home gift cards, tickets to see the Seattle Kraken and a Nintendo Switch thanks to their eager participation.
Choreographer Katie Miyasato and Student Body President Sophia Cofinas competed next, dancing to “Mamma Mia” by ABBA. The pair drew on Miyasato’s cheer experience to put on a synchronous, clean and confident performance, placing them in the lead with 28 points.
“I didn’t really want it to be, like, a hip hop thing. I wanted it to be something that we can twirl around in, and the first thing that came out of my mind was Mamma Mia,” Miyasato said, reflecting on her song choice. This unique style choice helped set the pair apart from their fellow contestants.
Last but not least, choreographer Iona Robinson and Women’s Golf player Tsara Ralamboarison performed a hip-hop medley of “Sticky” by Tyler, The Creator, “No Pole” by Don Toliver and “Tell Ur Girlfriend” by Lay Bankz. Their routine was dynamic and full of excitement, tying the top score with another 28 points.
After a tie-breaking vote from the audience, Miyasato and Cofinas were declared the first ever winners of Dancing With RHA. The duo took home trophies as well as a pair of tickets to see Dancing With The Stars Live together in Seattle March 19.
“I didn’t think I had it in me, but apparently I did!” Cofinas said, celebrating the win. “My favorite part of the whole experience was probably bonding with Katie and revisiting my theater kid roots. We ended up really connecting, and so I’m really grateful for that.”
“I’ve never seen Dancing with the Stars before, but I’m really excited that my first experience is going to be live,” Miyasato added.
As the first event of its kind for RHA, the team behind the competition hopes to grow and improve the competition for years to come.
“I’m so excited to watch this sort of blossom and grow and evolve,” Prado said. “I would love to include more dancers next year. I think this is an incredible group we had this year and I’m gonna miss seeing those people again, but I would hope that this could expand and get around campus and people would join next year.”
As the event ended and the auditorium began to clear, the air of excitement and community remained. Contestants congratulated one another on their hard work, already beginning to plan for next year.
