By Allen Mitch Runes BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — At a young age, many children are still exploring their interests, but for Erich Harmonie Navalta, of Barangay Ferdinand in Campo Sioco, dancesport has already become both a passion and a platform for achievement. Through determination, discipline, and hard work, Erich continues to shine as a promising young talent in the world of dancesport. Erich first started dancing at the age of six. What began as a simple passion soon developed into a competitive journey. By the time she turned seven, she had already begun joining competitions, stepping onto the dance floor with courage and determination despite her young age. Erich has collected numerous medals from various competitions, proving her dedication and growing talent. During the Cordillera Dance Festival, she earned an impressive three gold medals and three silver medals, showcasing her skill and commitment to the sport. She also competed in the Adivay Festival, held at the Benguet Sports Complex, where she proudly won three silver medals. Her talent also reached the national stage when she competed in a national dancesport competition in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, alongside her partner, Jhusryl King Jacob Zulueta. Competing against talented dancers from different places, the pair successfully placed 7th overall. In the Palarong Panlungsod, Erich continued to excel, bringing home two gold medals and one silver medal. Most recently, Erich and her partner achieved 3rd place at the Benguet Grand Slam, another milestone in her growing dancesport career. However, Erich’s journey to success was not always easy. She shared that she was once very shy and often doubted herself. Confidence did not come naturally at first, and there were moments when she questioned her abilities. But through perseverance and her growing passion for dancesport, she gradually gained confidence and learned to trust herself. Behind Erich’s success is a strong support system. With the guidance of her coach, Terrence Jeoffrey Soriano, along with the encouragement of her team, family, and friends, Erich found the motivation to keep improving and pushing herself to achieve more. Their support has played a meaningful role in helping her grow both as a dancer and as a person. Today, Erich is driven by her passion and hopes to inspire other young people to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. Through her story, she hopes to show that success comes not only from talent but also from hard work, dedication, and believing in oneself. For those who wish to join dancesport, Erich has a simple message: “Don’t be afraid to try. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your passion.” Contact Coach Terrence Jeoffrey Soriano at 0954-288-4174 if you are interested in joining the Dance Sport Team.
