Kingsley Barte is Filipino. Kevin Tsai is not.
Although the two have different ethnic backgrounds, they do have two things in common: UF’s Filipino Student Association and a passion for dance.
“I dance when I am happy, sad or angry,” said Barte, a 19-year-old computer science sophomore. “Finding the right song and bringing it to life with movement is the best way for me to express myself.”
Barte, Tsai and other members of the UF Filipino Student Association will host the 20th annual Def Talent Jam at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Event director Arielle Gousse said Def Talent Jam is a dance competition among FSA dance crews from colleges and universities throughout the Southeastern United States. Nine groups are expected to participate.
The event originated at UF in 1993 and took place at Orange & Brew. And it’s grown since then. Gousse said the competition drew a crowd of about 900 last year.
“It’s a weekend of bonding, of pride and of celebration of dance and Filipino culture,” she said.
Food science and human nutrition freshman Danielle Dolores, 18, said dancing in the competition is a way for the younger generation to maintain strong ties to its cultural roots regardless of geographical distance.
“Fusing traditional Filipino dances with modern songs and style has always been my favorite part of dancing with groups,” she said.
Barte, who choreographs for UF’s FSA dance crew, agreed. He was born in the Philippines and said he was exposed to traditional dances at a very young age.
“Dancing in a crew allows you to not only grow as a dancer but also as a person,” he said. “You bond with so many people and make new friends left and right.”
UF FSA alumni will judge the competition. The winner receives $1,000, a trophy and bragging rights.
“After going through hours of practice sessions, I am always amazed to see everyone come together and still give their everything on stage,” Tsai said.
Tickets cost $15 and are available through Ticketmaster or the University Box Office.
