As
a kid, I have always had an interest in dance. And ever since 2007, I have been
a member of a dance company that focuses on Filipino Cultural/ Traditional
Dancing. The American Center of Philippine Arts or ACPA, has inspired many
young children to find their passion in folk dancing.
Traditional
dancing really brings you back to your roots and where you come from as a
Filipino. A lot of today’s youth in the Filipino community don’t think of it as
much. They don’t think that this kind of dancing is cool, and they don’t really
associate themselves as being Filipino. But when it comes to Manny Paquiao, or
another huge Filipino artist or idol, they claim that Filipinos are the best.
But let me stop you right there, do you even know anything about your
background? What’s the meaning behind the Filipino flag you are repping?
Being a part of this dance company, has not only
taught me how to dance these Filipino dances, but it has helped me learn about
my self as a person. And I have also learned more about my heritage. Through dance, music
and the arts, I have been given the opportunity
to learn about Philippine history and culture.
I
have learned so much from just being a member of this dance company. American
Center of Philippine Arts focuses on Nurturing Philippine
cultural arts to strengthen our community and ethnic identity among the youth.
ACPA's mission is to provide a unique educational and developmental platform
for multidisciplinary Philippine arts through innovative hands-on classes,
collaborations, networking opportunities, and showcasing events. ACPA strives
to nurture both traditional and progressive Philippine arts to strengthen the
Pilipino community and ethnic identity.
Being
apart of this organization has opened up so many doors for myself and the other
members of my dance company. Along with the other members of our dance company,
from the ages 5-18, many of the children have been exposed to many different
opportunities in our performances. For instance, we were able to perform in San
Francisco’s City Hall for a dinner Gala in celebration of Philippine
Independence day on June 12th. And last year we also performed on
the main for the half time show of the Warriors Filipino heritage Night, as
well as for the Giants Filipino Heritage Night.
Exposing
others through these types of events, just gives them a taste of our Filipino
heritage. It is through these performances is where we share what we know and
have learned. There is a story behind each dance of the Philippines, and they
hall have a different meaning behind each movement. This enables the youth to
really learn about their culture and educate themselves about it. The different
regions of the Philippines all have different types of dances. And they have
different reasons as to why they do it.
Can you say that you are totally in touch with your own culture and background?
