5 May 2022 – The local dance community marked the Global International Dance Day with a dance concert last April 29 at the Baguio Convention Center.

Mounted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Dance Association of Baguio City in partnership with the city government, the International Dance Day Concert showcased performances by 11 dance groups with a total of 207 dance artists.

Featured were Aloha Philippines & Baguio Metamorphosis, Ballet Baguio, Baguio City National High School-Special Program in the Arts, Saint Louis University Dance Troupe, University of Baguio Graces Dance Troupe and University of the Cordilleras Center for Creative Productions, Allongé Dance Studio, Waya Creatives Dance Studio, Home: A Company of Creatives and TJS Baguio Dancesport Team.

Ms. Rebecca Lim Nulud, executive council member of the NCCA National Committee on Dance organized the concert and the Dance Association of Baguio City said it took courage to stage the concert, the first live performance of dancers in the city.

“With all the uncertainties, we bravely organized this first live performance of dancers here in Baguio City.  With the support of the National Commission for Culture and Arts, the Deputy Director Ms. Marichu Tellano , the Chairman of the National Committee on Dance, Ms. Shirley Halili Cruz, the City Government of Baguio  and the Baguio City Tourism Office, we had made this day a special celebration of the International Dance Day,” she said.

She acknowledged directors, choreographers, and the dancers of the Dance Association of Baguio City as the “true heroes and the driving force behind this endeavor” and “all our enthusiasts, our parents, family and friends for giving us the motivation to continue and never stop in the pursuit of what we have started.”  

“This day is a tribute to the millions of people across generations who have dedicated their lives to this craft of enchantment,” Nulud said.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong and City Tourism Operations Officer Alec Mapalo acknowledged local dance artists as one of the hallmarks of the city’s creative community.  They said the conduct of the activity boosts the city’s efforts to transition to the new normal after 2 years of living with the pandemic.

The International Dance Day observance was established in 1982 by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute, main partner of UNESCO for performing arts, to highlight the amazing diversity and talent of dancers all over the globe. This date was chosen because it marks the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), the creator of modern ballet. – Aileen P. Refuerzo