Members of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) dance team wave the Philippine flag on stage after advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Arizona. Photo courtesy of NDDU Dance Team
PHOENIX, Arizona — A dance team from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) in General Santos City advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship, representing the Philippines in one of the world's largest international hip-hop dance competitions.
Organized annually by Hip Hop International (HHI), the week-long championship held in Phoenix, Arizona, brought together more than 3,000 dancers from over 55 countries, competing across multiple divisions in a celebration of athleticism, artistry and cultural exchange.
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For the NDDU dancers, reaching the semifinals in their first appearance on the world stage was an experience they described as both surreal and unforgettable.
"The experience was very surreal for us. It was truly a dream come true for our group," one of the team members told ABS-CBN News.
The team said the overwhelming support from Filipinos in the United States and around the world inspired them throughout their journey.
"Nakakataba po ng puso ang suporta ng Filipino community. Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga taga-General Santos City, sa buong probinsya ng Sultan Kudarat, at sa lahat ng Filipino communities and groups na sumuporta sa amin habang kinakatawan namin ang Pilipinas."
Members of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) dance team pose for a photo after their interview with ABS-CBN News U.S. correspondent John Saavedra during the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Arizona. Photo by John Saavedra, ABS-CBN News
The dancers said representing the country at the world championship made their accomplishment even more meaningful, especially since it marked their first time competing in an international event.
"First time po naming i-represent ang Pilipinas sa isang international competition. Masaya po ang puso namin at sana ay makabalik kami rito next year."
Although their performance on stage lasted only a few minutes, the team said months of preparation demanded discipline, commitment and teamwork.
"The hardest part of the competition was the preparation. Pero sa buong training namin, talagang na-enjoy namin ang bawat sandali. Iyon ang pinakamahalaga sa amin."
The World Hip Hop Dance Championship is considered one of the most prestigious street dance competitions globally, showcasing elite crews from around the world and providing a platform for dancers to compete at the highest level.
As they wrapped up their campaign, the NDDU dancers thanked Filipinos across the globe for believing in them and supporting their journey.
"Maraming, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng sumuporta sa amin. Sa lahat ng mga Pilipino sa buong mundo, thank you very much for believing in us. Ginawa namin ang lahat para maipagmalaki ang Pilipinas."
The team said they hope to return to the World Hip Hop Dance Championship next year for another opportunity to represent the Philippines on the international stage.