MANILA, Philippines - The Halili-Cruz Dance Company is once again representing the Philippines at the ongoing Ulsan International Arts Festival which is held until Aug 4 in Ulsan City, South Korea. Participation in international festivals and competition is an integral component of the ballet education at the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet (HCSB).
Shirley Halili-Cruz, founder and artistic director of the HCSB, believes that exposure to various performances here and abroad will further hone the talent and skills of her young dancers. The knowledge they will gain through cultural exchange activities will contribute to their growth as persons and artists.
For the participation of the Halili-Cruz Dance Company at the Ulsan International Arts Festival, 10 dancers were selected, namely: Gabrielle Alexis Quinto, Marie Antoinette de Guzman, Jufette Sanolan, Cedric Sulat, Meryl Jacqueline Chua, Anne Patrice Barin, Maria Andrea Tagaban, Shayna Robbie Ragos Ty, Gabrielle Paras, Selina Ma. Victoria Noel under the guidance of the HCSB artistic team — artistic director Shirley and ballet teachers Grace Perez, Anna Kathrina Cruz and Anna Lissa Balmadrid. The festival is participated in by countries in Asia and Europe.
After the event in South Korea, the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet will represent the Philippines in the 16th Asia Pacific Dance Competition in Singapore end of this month.