Dr. Kurt Namare Buenconsejo: A Remarkable Journey in the World of Ballroom Dancing

From Grandma’s Influence to Global Dance Stardom

In the heartwarming tapestry of family traditions, extraordinary adventures often start with cherished tales handed down through generations. For Dr. Kurt Namare Buenconsejo from Dalaguete, Cebu, ballroom dancing wasn’t just a hobby – it was a heritage, woven with threads of commitment and adorned with victories, all inspired by his grandmother, Jovita Namare.

Kurt, the 11th child of Marlyn Namare and Floro Buenconsejo Jr., embarked on this incredible journey because of his grandmother’s stories. These tales, filled with military men fetching her for performances, ignited a passion in Kurt, leading him to the glamorous world of ballroom dancing.

“My grandma was my inspiration in ballroom dancing. I was fascinated every time she shared her days of fame due to her exceptional dancing skills,” said Kurt,a licensed international adjudicator by the World Dance Council, currently in New York.

His adventure began in the halls of Saint Mary’s Academy in Dalaguete, Cebu, where his Uncle Vilmer Namare, affectionately known as “Kulapito,” taught him invaluable lessons. These lessons transformed ordinary Physical Education classes into stages of excellence, showcasing not just Kurt’s skills but also his talent in choreography and execution.

When he entered the University of San Carlos in Cebu City for college, guided by Uncle Kulapito, Kurt dove into the world of professional dance. The Jaz n Bluz, owned by Yuko Ishikawa and where his Uncle Kulapito worked as a Ballroom Dance Instructor, became his sanctuary and training ground.

Under his Uncle Kulapito’s watchful eye, Kurt honed his skills, leading to a life-changing encounter with Mr. James Uy, the owner of Profoods Company.

“I became Sir James’s dance partner because of my grace and femininity. My swift spins enhanced his performance, allowing us to showcase our routines, especially during dynamic moves like swings. After our dance, he generously rewarded me with a tip of P1,000 pesos. Overwhelmed with joy, tears welled up in my eyes; I had earned P1,000.00 for just one dance,” shared Kurt, reflecting on this pivotal moment.

With his graceful footwork, Kurt impressed Mr. Uy, leading to exhibitions and performances. Appreciation came not just in applause but also in monetary form, marking the beginning of a promising journey.

“So, I kept coming back to Jaz and Blu Bar. My Uncle Kulapito introduced me to his regular customers. Fortunately, they appreciated my leading skills. Dancing allowed me to pay for my college tuition fees, enabling me to graduate,” said Kurt.

Kurt’s dedication knew no bounds. Despite the demands of his studies in Accountancy at the University of San Carlos, he meticulously balanced academics and his love for dance. Evenings were dedicated to perfecting his art, seamlessly blending education and creativity. Challenges arose, leading to a shift to Management Accounting, adapting to the demands of both worlds.

In 2009, Kurt’s talent reached international shores. Invited to the La Danzare Diva DanceSport Competition in Singapore, he showcased his skills, securing the third spot in the Showdance category. This triumph was a stepping stone to numerous victories: champion in the University of San Carlos Intramurals in 2011, followed by a third-place finish in the Third Kind DanceSport competition in Makati City the same year.

Kurt’s journey was marked by milestones. He earned his National Certificate II in Performing Arts Ballroom Dancing from TESDA in 2014, solidifying his expertise. The years that followed saw him grace international stages, adjudicating competitions in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, Korea, and even England. His expertise extended beyond adjudication; he became a respected teacher, imparting ballroom Latin technique in various Philippine provinces since 2014 and in Asian countries since 2016.

In 2018, he won second place in the Third Kind 4dance Latin in Singapore. Then, in 2019, Kurt attended the prestigious UKA Congress of Professional Dance Teachers in Blackpool, England, marking another significant achievement. His accolades multiplied, securing the second place in the M2M Dance Sport event in Thailand and adjudicating prestigious events like the World Grand Prix Ballroom Championship in Taiwan and the KDO World Cup 2023 in Korea.

His expertise expanded further as he earned his Master’s in Business Management at the University of Cebu (UC) and took on the role of University Business Teacher at Cebu Technological University in 2021. He also made a mark in education as the former Regional Sports Coordinator of the Visayas in the Commission on Higher Education, closely collaborating with universities and colleges across 16 provinces.

With a PhD in Business and Management, a reputation as an international adjudicator and performer, Kurt stands as a testament to passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of dance. From treasured tales of his grandmother to the global stages he graces, his journey resonates with melodies of dedication and triumph, reminding us of the extraordinary heights achievable through the art of dance.