Dance festival to be held in Puerto Princesa

MANILA, Philippines - The National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Dance will hold Dance Xchange: The Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival from April 11 to 14 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The festival will bring together the best dance companies and dance experts, both local and international, for a grand celebration of dance that includes activities such as artists’ forum, dance workshops, masters classes, cultural tours, festival of dance performances and concerts.

With the theme “Cultural Connectivity Through Dance,” the event aims to “strengthen the network among dance groups in the ASEAN and beyond; enhance knowledge and skills of dancers, dance teachers and choreographers on dances of the different countries; showcase the unique dances of each country to enhance cultural understanding; provide a venue for interaction and facilitate learning among dancers, directors, dance teachers, choreographers; and harness the potential of the Philippines to be a cultural destination in Asia.”

Dance Xchange is also in celebration of International Dance Day, created under the auspices of UNESCO in Paris and held all over the world by the International Theater Institute (ITI) on April 29, and the Philippine National Dance Week, held on the fourth week of April every year.

Expected to participate are dance companies from Japan, Hong Kong, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, England, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Taiwan and Vietnam. They will be joined by 22 dance companies from all over the Philippines.

Dance Xchange hbegan five years ago, starting in Dumaguete City in 2009, 2010 in Roxas City, Capiz, 2011 in Metro Manila and 2012 in Cebu City.

All PE teachers, dance teachers, dancers, choreographers, cultural officers, tourism officers and festival organizers of the different local government units are invited to take part. For details and schedules, visit the NCCA website www.ncca.gov.ph.