The Philippines is well known for its vibrant tradition and deeply rooted traditions, from music and meals, to festivals which inform tales of a proud heritage.
In Saskatoon, the Kumintang Folks Dance Ensemble is bringing that heritage to life, one step at a time.
“With the cultural dances, it’s a efficiency,” stated Co-cultural director Maia Macatangay. “It’s a method that we are able to present what we’ve got by means of artwork.”
The group presently has 87 members, probably the most in its historical past, with dancers ranging in age from 24 all the best way right down to eight.
For many years, the ensemble has taught and carried out conventional Filipino dances – passing them down, together with the tales and wealthy historical past behind each transfer. However for a lot of youthful generations, conventional dances like those carried out aren’t seen on a regular basis. This makes the work of the ensemble to protect them that rather more necessary and fulfilling.
“It’s helped me understand the influence that studying your tradition has in your identification and in the way it varieties your connection along with your tradition generally.” stated Co-cultural director Antonette Ecijan.
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That connection shines by means of within the ardour and dedication from every dancer, like first yr performer Viviene Vocalan.
“It’s actually enjoyable and that each one the dances are very nice. The individuals listed here are type to you and so they educate you step-by-step.” Vocalan stated.
Ensemble member Hendrix Javier has been with the group for six years, and stated if your previous, you’ll be able to carry out for the long run.
“Actually, it’s actually enjoyable,” stated Javier. “I get to be taught quite a bit about my tradition and my heritage and yeah, it’s superb.”
For Ecijan and Macatangay, their pleasure within the Filipino tradition continues to develop, and their ardour and management has the ensemble in good fingers for the following era.
“I’ve discovered so many cultural dances and met so many nice individuals right here, and it’s simply one thing I’m keen about; I really like performing.” Macatangay stated.
“Once I first began college right here, there weren’t too many Filipinos arounds, and so the group was small and studying about your tradition was only a uncommon alternative,” stated Ecijan. “There’s extra Filipinos now however nonetheless protecting that tradition going is a big a part of why we run this group.”
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