Thursday, May 26, 2011

PFDS Conducts 31st National Workshop For Teachers


by Joyce M. Toriaga


The 31st National folk Dance Workshop for Teachers was conducted on May 16-2, 2011 at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Complex, Bago City, Negros Occidental. It addressed the needs and concerns of teachers in folk dance education and production, develop understanding and appreciation for Filipino traditions in dance and music. It paid tribute to pioneering Filipino Folk Dance researchers by reviving, teaching and promoting their outstanding works and contribution.


The teachers in all levels¸ dancers, dance trainers, directors and choreographers were the participants. Among them were Joyce M. Toriaga, Regina N. Meliton, Zarha Restar, Pedrito Mabasa, Jr., Juan Salazar and 3 others in the Division of Aklan, and two (2) versatile dance trainers served as resource speakers namely: Antonio "Boy" Li and Edwin Masangkay whose dances introduced received commendable praises from the participants. The two trainers are National Officers of the Philippine Folk Dance Society worthy to be proud of as Aklanons.


The workshop was highlighted with a program of festivals and tribute to the 101st birthday celebration of Libertad Villanueva Fajardo, a pride of Bago City, a dance scholar and specialist who contributed to the development of Philippine Folk Dance through her teaching and research. She was among those who pioneered in the sustained and systematic documentation of Philippine Folk Dances.


The participants gave their best in performing 12 folk dances during the 5 day workshop.


The workshop finally ended with a Negros Occidental tour, dancing parade and workshop show case where everyone enjoyed and showed their best in dancing. /MP

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