Dancing her way to ignite passion
(Chelsea Valderama with their 2nd runner-up trophy in UAAP 79 Streetdance Competition (left) and Chelsea Valderama with their world champion medal in the World Hip Hop Dance Championship 2017 (right) (Photo taken from her Facebook account))
EXPRESSING one’s self by moving rhythmically with music, Chelsea Valderama’s passion for dancing kept the fire within her burning.
Jean Chelsea S. Valderama of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), had already achieved a lot in her dancing career at the young age of 19.
With the dedication she put into dancing, Chelsea was able to fulfill her dream of representing her school and the country in different parts of the world. She is now a member of UST Prime and UPeepz which are both acclaimed locally and internationally in the world of dancing. The latter group holds the championship title for the past two years in the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.
Chelsea's dancing career bloomed during her high school years at the Holy Family School of Quezon City. Her seniors during that time were the ones who inspired her to showcase the potential she has in the field of dancing, Chelsea told Dapitan Post in an online interview.
Given that she also has another world outside dancing, including her academics, social life and commitment with her family, personal rest is one thing that had to be sacrificed in order to face everything in her long list of responsibilities.
“I usually have my classes […] from 7AM to 7PM and have my trainings afterwards until midnight. When I get home, I have no choice but to sacrifice my few remaining hours of sleep just to accomplish all my tasks,” she said.
“Despite the time constraint, I try to catch up with my social life during my in-between breaks and free time. I admit, it can be tiring but when everything falls into place, it will be worth it,” Chelsea positively affirmed.
Former UST Prime Team Captain and currently UPeepz member Meeko Evangelista described how Chelsea would make an effort to be with her friends by inviting them to their home and doing her best to finish school work in order to attend trainings.
“As a friend, […] since [‘]di siya p[u]wede magstay n[an]g late outside, iniinvite na lang niya kami to hang out sa house niya. As a teammate and dancer, isa siya sa mga nakita ko [na] talagang nag[-]grow sa team since day one. Tinatry niya lagi tapusin […] 'yung school work niya para makahabol siya sa training,” Miko narrated.
Mariel Angeles, her best friend, also expressed how proud she is of how Chelsea manages to prioritize her responsibilities. “It’s awesome how she manage[s] to balance acad[emic]s and dance life. She [is] […] my inspiration."
As for her relationship with her family, Chelsea served as the biggest influence for her siblings in terms of dancing. Currently, her three younger siblings are also taking interest in the craft and are joining the same organizations with their sister.
“They mean the world to me and I would do anything to keep them safe and happy,” Chelsea said as she expressed how she treasures her love for her family.
Just like the life of any performer, there are times when troubles and anxiousness come creeping in, and Chelsea's journey is no different from them. However, being the passionate lady that she is, she tried to cheer herself up with motivational thoughts to feel better.
“There were times [when] I doubted […] if I should push through. But those times molded me to be the person that I am right now. I overcame my fears and anxiety by promising myself to never give up on things that I love to do,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to her family, friends, coaches and teammates who served as her inspiration in dancing her heart out. For Chelsea, "they are the ones that keep me going.”
Achieving a lot in such an early age requires passion and skills, but she still humbly believes that “there is always a room for improvement.” Hence, she said that the need to improve in executing and performing different genres of dance is something she will work on. For her, maturity and time management plays big role in dancing, thus the need for her to always train.
“To all aspiring dancers out there, keep on going. Every day is a chance for you to get better. May it be small or big steps, progress is progress. You’re greatest rival is yourself, it’s up to you if you want to settle for less or for what you deserve to be. All love and respect for the dance community,” Chelsea advised those who are planning to venture in dancing.
With her love for her craft and with the dedication she puts into it, the world stage is not far from giving her the opportunity to perform in different parts of the world. The kind of passion she has can take her to places where it is not just her body that can move with the music, but also her passion that ignites within her.
