MANILA, Philippines - In the hopes of creating conditions for dialogue and cooperation within the world dance community, the National Committee on Dance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will be spearheading the International Dance Day celebration held all over the world by the International Theater Institute (ITI). The International Dance Day is created under the auspices of UNESCO in Paris, and the Philippine observance is slated to take place in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, from April 28 to May 1, hosted by Gov. Emilio Macias II.
Following the success of the 2008 National Dance Congress and International Dance Day, the National Committee on Dance, chaired by Shirley Halili-Cruz will be holding its first international dance workshop and festival with dance troupes from different countries attending the said event.
However, before flying to Dumaguete for the event proper, the National Dance Committee will be giving Manila a taste of the performances of the international dance troupes invited for the celebration to be held at the Concert at the Park in Luneta on April 26 at 6 p.m.
Titled “Dance Xchange: First Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival,” the annual national dance congress will be attended by dance companies from Malaysia, China, Singapore, Japan, Spain, Hong Kong, South Korea, England and the United States. Dance Xchange aims to provide venue for interaction and facilitate learning among dancers, directors, dance teachers, choreographers, tourism and cultural officers and dance scholars; provide new ideas and inspiration that will stimulate the creativity of the dance educators, directors and choreographers; to showcase the unique dances of each country to facilitate cultural understanding and to strengthen network among dance organizations and diplomatic relations among the participating countries.
Also joining the celebration are the local performing groups which include the Philippine National Folkdance Company, the Bayanihan, Leyte Dance Theater, PNU Kislap ng Sining Dance Troupe, Lahing Batangan, Sinukwan Performing Arts, Douglas Nierras Powerdance, Halili-Cruz Dance Company, ADS Performing Arts, University of San Carlos Dance Troupe, Helobung Community Dance Troupe Inc., the Bohol Punta Cruz Cultural Collective, Kahayag of South Cotabato, Professional Dance Teachers Association, Hwa Yi Ethnic Dance Troupe, Jambangan Dance Troupe, Sinanduloy Dance Troupe, and finally the MEV Dance Troupe.
The ITI Dance Committee held its executive committee meeting in the Philippines on the observance of the 31st ITI Congress Theater Olympics of the Nations on mobilizing cultural diversity for the UN MDG’s.
For details, call Marichu Tellano of the NCCA–National Committee on Dance at 527-5514 and 527-2192 local 502, e-mail mgtellano@yahoo.com, or visit www.ncca.gov.ph.