Last April, the National Committee on Dance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts under the strong and very active leadership of Shirley Halili-Cruz successfully held “Dance Xchange: 2nd Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival” with the theme: “Cultural Connectivity through Dance” in Roxas City, Capiz with satellite performances in San Jose, Antique and in Boracay Island, Aklan.

“Dance Xchange” is the Philippine celebration of the International Dance Day held every 29th of April and in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 154, declaring the last week of April as the “National Dance Week.” “Dance Xchange” is also one of the banner projects of the Philippines as the ASEAN Cultural Capital for 2010-2011.

“Dance Xchange” was conceptualized and founded by Ms. Shirley Halili-Cruz, inspired by her nume-rous travels and participations in international festivals and competitions. Every time she represents the Philippines and goes abroad with her dancers, she dreams of establishing an international dance festival in the Philippines as there is a great reservoir of talents in the country. She also believes that the Philippines can surpass other international dance festivals with its rich culture, excellent creative talents, versatility of Filipino dancers and warm hospitality of the Filipinos. The Philippines has a lot to showcase and it is already high time to establish a dance festival which will be a destination for foreign dance companies. With the holding of “Dance Xchange 2,” this dream is now a reality.

The success of this event is a testimony to the strong support and partnership that the NCCA-National Committee on Dance under the leadership of Shirley Halili-Cruz has established with the local government units and NGOs in various parts of the country. The strong support of the Province of Capiz under Gov. Victor Tanco and his reliable cultural officer Al Tesoro and the active participation of the members and officers of Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and the Arts enabled the holding of “Dance Xchange.”

Well-attended is an understatement, as the opening was attended by about 30,000 audience who came from the different municipalities of Capiz and different barangays of Roxas City. It was overwhelming and so touching to have an international dance event that opens with such a huge crowd. The foreign dance groups were in awe seeing the number of people in attendance, the high quality of dance performances, the strength and the variety of the Filipino dances, and the high potential of cultural connectivity. The opening ceremony which was held at the football grounds of the Villareal Stadium was capped with the unity dance that encouraged everyone to be part of the dancing. The unity dance was symbolic of how people can unite despite the cultural and language barrier.

The week-long event offered variety of activities such as dance workshops conducted by the directors from the participating countries to include England, Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and United States of America. The dance workshops were participated in by 621 dancers, choreographers, dance and P.E. supervisors, principals, tourism and cultural officers from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the National Capital Region.

“Dance Xchange” also had a series of performances: three International Dance Day (IDD) concerts held in Villareal Stadium in Roxas City with outreach performances in the Municipality of Pillar, Sapian, Pontevedra, Sigma, and Maayon. The nightly performances were attended by at least 5,000 people in the audience.

“Dance Xchange” is anchored on the support of the people who together with Ms. Shirley believed in the program – the members of the National Committee on Dance: Vice Head Larry Gabao, Asst. Sec. Franco Velas, Members: Junjet Primor, Rodel Fronda, Peter de Vera, Pet Mosquito, Annie Sartorio and Josie Flores. The support of the NCCA Secretariat, Marichu Tellano, Adel Sumith, Corina Olazo, Josie Maglalang, Darius Nicolas, Alvin Soniega, Beth Cabaya, Cecil Nisnisan, Ferdie Isleta, Henri Kangleon, Lala Moldon, Myra Brucela, Mark Cruzat, Tess Pitalbo, Ryan Arengo, Edmarie Inda, Niño Kristobal Selibio, Rene Napenas, Heidi Mendoza, Renee Talavera, Grace Reytas, Rei Alba, Niña Dueñas, Carol Mizal, Charles, Noe and Tina. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on Culture is continually providing support and inspiration to “Dance Xchange.”

“Dance Xchange 2” was indeed a great success! Congratulations and bravo to the founder and project director, Ms. Shirley Halili Cruz!

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on May 28 go to Ms. Zsa Zsa Padilla, director Lupita A. Kashihawara, Alice Marcelo, former MB business editor Arthur Sales, Mark Dayrit, Edgar Aquino, Mrs. Girlie Pleyto, Josie Santos, Imelda “Ida” Diomampo, Justito B. Tagum, Christian Jeirezze G. Martinez, Dominique Lindt H. Aquino, Elijah Montealegre, Dr. Nancy Ordona, and Myra Figi. Happy wedding anniversary to Aga and Charlene Muhlach, and Ronald and Agnes Manalili. Belated b-day greetings to Mila M. Presillas (May 27).