MJ and Angelica Arda, sibling dance coach duo, are the driving force behind the award-winning dance crew A-Team and the thriving dance ecosystem in the Philippines. Their journey started in 2011, fueled by a competitive spirit inherited from their family. A request from their mother led them to assemble a hip-hop dance team for a competition, and their journey to dance success began.
After winning second place in the initial competition, they pushed further, taking third place at the Singapore Dance Delight in 2012. Three years later, they achieved their biggest triumph, claiming first place in the Megacrew Division of the 2014 World Hip Hop Dance Championships, becoming the first Philippine team to achieve this feat. This victory illuminated a path forward for them, showing the potential of dance as a viable career path.
Angelica, with almost two decades of experience, excels as a coach and dancer, known for her linear style and powerful, aggressive delivery. MJ, a former varsity volleyball player, followed his sister’s path, becoming a renowned coach and creative director, earning the nickname “All-Styles MJ” for his proficiency across various dance styles, from R&B to Afro.
The World Championship win marked a turning point. Inundated with requests from producers and event organizers, the Ardas realized the need to build a sustainable infrastructure for their dance crew. Angelica, a strategic planner, envisioned a future where dance could flourish in the Philippines. Their dream was to create a dedicated space for A-Team members to teach, train, and earn a living through dance.
This dream materialized in 2019 with the opening of Zero Studio in Diliman, Quezon City. Advertised as a hub for all art forms, the studio offers dance classes for all ages, featuring renowned Filipino choreographers across diverse styles, from K-Pop to House and Dancehall. The success of Zero Studio led to the opening of a second branch in Mandaluyong earlier this year.
The Ardas’ commitment to excellence is reflected in A-Team’s performances. Their YouTube channel showcases this commitment, particularly their 10th Demo concert showcase music video, filmed across multiple locations. The Ardas’ dedication to excellence is rooted in their athletic background. Growing up in a family of athletes, they underwent rigorous training and competitions, shaping their coaching and training methods. This athletic discipline is ingrained in A-Team’s own training regime, often described as more demanding than military training.
MJ attributes his coaching style to his volleyball coach, Vip Isada, and his time with UP Streetdance under coach Sergio Dimalanta. A typical A-Team training session starts at 6 PM and lasts four hours, with no breaks, emphasizing dedication and respect for time. Members are expected to train two to three times a week, undergoing a demanding regimen that includes extensive warm-up, stretching, core work, high-intensity conditioning, and choreography practice.
This rigorous training ensures efficiency and preparedness for diverse events, from concerts to corporate events and competitions. While the demanding training has led some to drop out, the Ardas have also witnessed remarkable transformations in students with initially weak mental fortitude. A-Team members Jana Mahusay and Edd Vicente, who once struggled with training, are now confident and respected dancers.
A-Team currently has a core group of 15 members, and the entire studio team now comprises approximately 80 individuals, including the Junior Varsity Mega Crew, composed of members under 18 years old. The Ardas acknowledge the crucial role of their entire team, including coaches, dance masters, and logistics personnel, in solidifying A-Team’s success. They describe their team as an ecosystem of talented individuals who contribute to the group’s success both within and beyond dance.
Although A-Team continues to participate in competitions, their focus has shifted towards fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. The team’s training sessions are characterized by a high level of camaraderie, with members cheering and encouraging each other. MJ emphasizes the desire to see every member succeed and be recognized for their talent.
The Ardas’ commitment to empowering young dancers through dance stems from their early experiences as coaches. They saw firsthand how dance could empower individuals, providing direction and shaping lives. Angelica likens coaching to teaching, highlighting the profound impact dance can have on individuals, both on and off the stage. She recounts the growth of A-Team member Dora Dorado, who began training with her at the age of 13 and is now pursuing a career in law.
MJ echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and development alongside success. The Ardas’ dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment has created a powerful legacy in the Philippine dance scene. Through A-Team and Zero Studio, they have created a thriving ecosystem that nurtures talent, empowers individuals, and elevates the art of dance in the Philippines.
