World's Largest Dance Class

Last June 27, 2009, was a momentous occasion for the people of Cebu City. On this day, 7,770 dancers assembled at the Cebu City Sports Center to break the Guiness World Record for the World’s Largest Dance Class. This record was previously held by Budapest, Hungary since May of 2009 with 2,289 participants. Our dance troop surpassed the previous record by 5,481 dancers.

The Cebu Images Camera Club was invited to cover the event and provide photographs of the record breaking event. Along with myself, Kenneth Sy, Celso Dayo, Jacob Maentz, Jojo Wan and Manny Barcenas represented the club.

Registration of the participants started at around 1 pm, then at 2:30 the organizers started to get them into their places. The group was finally in formation at around 4 pm. Soon after, they rehearsed their moves before the actual attempt at the record. As soon as the lead dance instructor, Mr. Loloi Rendon, was satisfied, the ceremony began.

Fr. Vicente Uy led the crowd in a prayer then Ms. Ricca Alix conducted the singing of the National Anthem. The participants and visitors present were then formally welcomed by DTCC Director Edward Hayco. The mayor of Cebu City, Hon. Tomas Osmeña, gave an inspirational message and ceremonially authorized the attempt at the world record.

The music started and the dancers energetically went through their routine. In the front of the pack was Ms. Cutie Del Mar, who was number 7,770. The prospect of being in the Guiness Book of World Records excited the dancers and they gave their absolute best. The sight was awesome.

I then learned later that the purpose of the event was not only to put Cebu City in the Guiness Wrold Records, but also to position Cebu City as the Dance Capital Of The World.