PNG student takes part in dancesport

 PETER Karua from Central did not know there was such a thing as dancesport – until he was asked by the dean of a Philippines university to compete in one.

Dancesport, which has now become an international sport, refers to competitive ballroom dancing.

It has two main styles – standard and Latin American.

Karua, 24, gave it a go.

He is pursuing a bachelor in education at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Cebu, Philippines.

He represented his department and the college of education in the standard category in the intra-university competition.

Karua was the only Papua New Guinean and foreign student who joined the contest.

“I felt very nervous because I saw many spectators. I was the only foreigner among all Filipino dance sport contestants. It was my very first time to join dance sport,” he said.

Karua finished Grade 12 at Sogeri National High School and completed a diploma in linguistics at the University of Papua New Guinea. 

Since his UPNG days, Peter has been very passionate with his interest in second language teaching. In fact, he plans to pursue a Master’s degree programme later.

Karua said he found had a new passion in dance sport and looks forward to share to his people back in PNG. 

“I hope to teach my people the basics of Dance Sport because it is an international event. It is very interesting and new to all of us,” he added.

Karua and other PNG students in Cebu have been participating in extra-curricular activities in their universities.