"I - Sayaw Dance Studio celebrates 10th summer showcase"

“I-Sayaw Dance Studio celebrates 10th summer showcase”
SunStar Davao, July 22, 2025

In a heartfelt celebration of artistry and growth, I-Sayaw Dance Studio marked its 10th summer showcase with a recital titled “From Theatre Classics to Classics”, held at the Ayala Malls Abreeza.

Established in June 2014, I-Sayaw began as a humble dream beside the Ateneo de Davao Grade School, where Teacher Cecile Dioquino Hidalgo, an architect by profession, set out to build not just a studio, but a safe space for aspiring dancers. With professional architectural expertise behind the studio’s design, it boasted proper suspended flooring, sturdy barres, and full-length mirrors which made it an ideal environment to nurture discipline and creativity in ballet, hip hop, and tap.

The studio’s early days were marked by a meaningful Christmas thanksgiving show in 2014 featuring twenty-three students. Fast forward to today, several of those students such as Reana Parrucho, Bria Menor, and Rhonna Daymiel still grace the I-Sayaw stage.

                          

Among I-Sayaw’s proudest milestones is its participation in the 1st and 2nd CCP National Ballet Competition, where students Pam and Erika Almaden represented not just the studio, but all of Mindanao. Both, under the mentorship of Teacher Cecile herself, they competed in Manila at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

                        

Moreover, in 2017, I-Sayaw staged its first full-length production, “Enchanted Evening of Dance,” featuring Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” with original choreography, an impressive feat for any young company.

This year's recital shone the spotlight on both seasoned and debuting performers.

     

Intermediate to advanced dancers Queen Hectin and Kinne Mesias took the stage for the first time in major roles, while the studio’s hip hop program, led by Coach Jazy Calvelo, brought energy and edge with students trained under his dynamic mentorship. “We are proud to say that we have honed students who are now part of different hip hop crews in Davao,” says Teacher Cecile.

Gratitude flowed freely in the event’s message, with deepest thanks to supportive parents, behind-the-scenes heroes, the studio’s media team, costume creators, and many others. Special appreciation was also extended to family members like Cecil’s only child Noe Hidalgo, who leads promotions, and husband Architect Kiko Hidalgo, who manages studio operations.

“Our constant rehearsals have drawn the students closer, each gaining a new friend. Thank you, parents, for supporting the artistic desires of your children,” shares Teacher Cecile.

In every graceful turn, I-Sayaw continues to prove that in Davao’s vibrant dance scene, its rhythm and passion are here to stay.