If the kids of today’s generation have XB Gensan, the 90s kids grew up dancing to the smooth moves of UMD and Streetboys.
Here are 5 of the most iconic dance groups in the 90s!
1. Universal Motion Dancers (UMD)
Universal Motion Dancers or UMD was established through one of the most classic variety shows in Philippine television history: That’s Entertainment. The members of the group began as back-up dancers of the show until they decided to form a group with the name UMD in 1991.
The group is considered to spark interest for hip-hop street dance in the Philippines. Some of its most memorable members include Wowie de Guzman, the late Gerard Fainsan, James and Jim Salas, and Brian Furlow.
The group popularized various dance steps. The most iconic include the Buteerfly dance step.
2. Streetboys
Considered to be UMD’s biggest competition, Streetboys became a hit when they released their single “Boom Tiyaya” that took Philippine dance industry by storm. If UMD started in That’s Entertainment, Streetboys served as the pioneer dance group of ABS-CBN’s ASAP.
The group, however, was not your typical dance group. Their jaw-dropping stunts made them a cut above most dance groups in the country. Despite the group’s eventual break-up, many of its members’ individual careers boomed in the showbiz industry.
Spencer Reyes was paired with Aiza Seguerra while Danilo Barrios became a successful actor. Today, Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario both serve as hosts of noontime variety show It’s Showtime. Vhong and Jhong also have their fair share of movie and TV appearances.
Best thing about this group? They meet up from time to time to perform.
3. Manoeuvres
Manoeuvres began under the name WEA dynamics in 1985 until they changed it to Manoeuvres in 1989. The group’s pop-and-lock dance moves catapulted the group to fame.
After the group’s reign on the dance floor, members including the Zamora brothers, Joshua and Jason, found success in the showbiz industry, particularly in acting.
4. Abztract Dancers
The group that gave us Dingdong Dantes, Dino Guevarra, and Sherwin Ordonez, Abztract Dancers may not have been known for their dance moves as compared to the first three in this list but one cannot deny that the group was able to produce individuals that had booming careers post-peak.
The group was established in 1995 under Zay Villavert. Abztract Dancers performed in variety show Eat Bulaga, although they also performed in That’s Entertainment.
5. X-People Dancers
The group may not have been as huge as the previous three groups on this list, but X-People Dancers had their own share of iconic dance moves that made Pinoys stand up and move to the groove.
They started the dance craze Feel Like Dancin’ and Throw Ur Hands in the Air.
