𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗩 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗣: 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗛𝗬𝗧𝗛𝗠

“Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.” – Martha Graham

For the NORV Dance Group, this truth comes alive in every step, every turn, and every beat they bring to the stage.

Composed of students from different departments and year levels of Northwestern Visayan Colleges—Communication, Criminology, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, and Education—the group proves that passion can unite diverse individuals beyond the walls of the classroom.

At the Aklan Cultural Contest Season 3, they proudly carried the banner of Northwestern Visayan Colleges and secured Third Place. But beyond the applause and recognition, what makes their story inspiring is not just the dance—it’s the grit, sacrifice, and unshakable love for art that binds them together.

“During our final rehearsal, we weren’t complete because it was examination day and others have classes,” shared Mike Bernard. “On Friday, it was raining hard, but we still pushed through with practice. Minsan kapag may praktis, mayroon kaming mga activity, hindi ko muna ginagawa yung akin, then pupunta ako sa practice. After practice tsaka ko na gagawin activity ko.”

For Cyber Ann Nepomuceno, balancing academics and passion comes with even heavier weight. “As a student studying all day, then practicing right after—But I don’t dwell on that. My passion keeps me going,” she said. “It’s difficult when it comes to transportation and financial matters, especially since my house is farther from the rehearsal location.”

Yet, both refuse to let obstacles hold them back. “Sumasali na ako since elementary ng dance competition,” Cyber Ann shared. “Kasi yun ang passion ko. Mas lalong mag-improve, I keep joining.”

Mike echoes the same perseverance: “Ga join-join man ako it elementary it dancing then nag-stop, pero kat high school ako ginpadayon ko ta hasta makara kasi gusto ko mag-improve. Don’t be afraid to start. Hindi lahat ng mananayaw ay nagsimula sa magaling. I’m trying my best to pursue my passion kahit hindi ako ganun kalakas, gagawin ko pa rin lahat para makipagsabayan.”

Even in the face of fatigue, doubt, and last-minute challenges, their leader Jay Lawrence F. Fernando, reminded them: “Pag nasimulan niyo, tapusin niyo. Think positive—the impossible can become possible. Trust your abilities.”

Their discipline is evident in every synchronized step, but their greatest strength lies in resilience. As Mike reflected, “I wasn’t the best when I started. But I kept training, kept participating. Win or lose, I accept it. Trust the process—not everyone starts great.”

The NORV Dance Group’s story is a reminder that passion is the rhythm that keeps them moving. They did not just dance—they defied doubt, turned struggles into stepping stones, and showed that greatness is not born, but made.

✍🏻: Severino N. Calandria Jr., Junior Staff Writer 

🖼️: Dale Victoria, Junior Lay out Artist