14 April 2014 - Clients of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco were treated to a surprise cultural performance on April 10 as performers from the Leyte Dance Theater rendered a series of folk songs and dances, much to the delight of the transacting public. 

The Leyte Dance Company is one of the premier dance companies in the Philippines, and is based in Tacloban City, Leyte.  Under the tutelage of Artistic Director Jess De Paz, the company has gained international recognition having won the Grand Championship Award in the International Folklore Festival Competition in Malaysia in 2009.  It has also won other awards such as Best Choreography and Best Male Dancer. 
 

The Leyte Dance Theater is currently in the United States (US) for a series of performances.  The show entitled “Bayan Ko” (My Native Land) may be seen across the US.  Members of the dance company, including the staff and crew, all hail from Leyte province and were victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).  A portion of the proceeds from the performances will go to Yolanda relief and rehabilitation efforts. 

The dance company’s first performance in the US for 2014 was held at the San Francisco Scottish Rite Masonic Center on April 11.  Performances are also scheduled at San Jose, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York, Washington D.C. and Texas.  More information on the Leyte Dance Theater may be found on its Facebook page.  END