Sentro Rizal in Ottawa Hosts a Virtual Folk Dance Masterclass with the Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company
Members of the Bayanihan National Dance Company posed virtually for a group photo with the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa
OTTAWA 03 August 2023 – The Sentro Rizal Ottawa organized a Virtual Folk Dance Masterclass with the world-renowned Bayanihan National Dance Company. The workshop was participated by the members of the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa (PDTO).
In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria sincerely thanked the NCCA for the initiative and for having the Bayanihan share their dance talents and techniques. Ambassador Austria welcomed the PDTO, led by its founder and Chairman, Danilo Arriola, as the participants for the 3-day workshop. Ambassador Austria added that the workshop is an excellent opportunity to enrich and build on the existing knowledge and skills of PDTO’s talented and young members.
A 3-day online Masterclass using the Zoom platform was held from 27 to 29 July 2023, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (28 to 30 July 2023, 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM PH time). Bayanihan Dance Director Mr. Ferdinand “Bong” Jose led the folk dance masterclass, with lectures and videos about the folk dance choreography as well as interactive sessions. The participants were divided into three breakout groups on day 2, based on the chosen folk dance for the interactive dance workshop.
Members of the PDTO were very honored and thankful for the opportunity to interact and learn from the world-class dancers of the Bayanihan. On day 3, PDTO presented the folk dances they learned - Bagobo T’boli, Kini-Kini, and Kapamalong-malong. Director Bong closed the program with advice and tips for the PDTO to enhance their skills in performing the folk dances.
Made possible with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Sentro Rizal Ottawa’s Virtual Folk Dance Masterclass was held as part of the Embassy’s cultural diplomacy program to promote Filipino art and culture, especially to the second and third generation of Filipinos in Canada. END
Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria (left) and PDTO Founder and Chairman Danilo Arriola (right) giving their remarks.
Bayanihan Director Fernando “Bong” Jose responding to a member of the PDTO during the Q&A portion (left); Rehearsal of the PDTO members for Bagobo T’boli dance (right)
PDTO members on their performance of Kini-kini (left) and Kapamalong-malong (right)
For more information, visit https://www.ottawape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy.ca, https://www.facebook.com/PHinCanada/ or https://twitter.com/PHinCanada.