Untitled - FMA Informative

significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of
overseas Filipino communities. The Banaag Award was given "in recognition of the
remarkable achievements in showcasing the diversity of Filipino heritage through world
class dance and musical performance and bringing the Philippines closer to overseas
Filipinos and the rest of the world."
Since its birth, the dance company has received many accolades. Its world class
shows have earned the company performances to many prominent events, such as the
Olympic Games in Mexico City and Montreal, the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton,
the Montreal Expo as well as the opening festivities of both Ontario Place and Skydome -
- now the Rogers Centre.
Fiesta has also become an Ambassador for both Canada and the Philippines.
Through it international travels the troupe has enchanted audiences with their exceptional
traditional Philippine folk dance repertoire. In 1991, "Fiesta" burst onto the international
scene as one of Canada's representatives at a folklore festival in Portugal. The success of
this first European appearance led to a flurry of international invitations, many of which
Fiesta accepted. Today, this leading Filipino dance troupe in North America has
performed on stages in France, Italy, Greece, Austria, Spain, USA and the Philippines.
Behind the grandeur and the accolades of a successful performance lies a tireless
organization. Through their efforts, the members were taught the various forms of
Philippine dance that have been influenced by the archipelago's unique geography and
colorful history. The layers that comprise the Filipino people are told through the
mountain tribes of Banaue Rice Terraces, the aristocracy during Spanish colonization, the
story of courtship between a young Muslim prince and princess, the dances of the various
indigenous tribes and the dances of the lively countryside. George and Estring's inspired
research has taken them across the islands and it has allowed both the dance troupe's
performing artists and audience members to learn more of the Philippines and its people
through music, song and dance.
The repertoire of the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe is traditionally divided into
five main suites that highlight the cultural diversity of the Filipinos:
Cordillera - These dances are based on the culture and traditions of the mountain tribes
of the Cordillera region in the island Luzon. Known collectively as Igorots, they are the
builders of one of the Forgotten Wonders of the World, the Banaue Rice Terraces. Their
dances are performed to appease their gods, to ward off bad spirits, to ensure bountiful
harvests and peace, and to celebrate successful battles in war.
Spanish - These dances depict the cultural influences of the Spanish conquistadors on the
Filipino people. These dances merge the Spanish jota, the flamenco, and period costumes
of the 18th and 19th centuries with the Filipino culture in the form of bamboo castanets,
bamboo canes and the "abanico," or Asian fan.
Morolandia - These dances are portrayed by the Muslim Filipinos that reside in the
southern island of Mindanao and in the Sulu Archipelago. The dances are known for their
Arabian and Indo-Malaysian influences.
Tribal - These dances are those performed by the various indigenous tribes and cultural
minorities that reside throughout the Philippine archipelago.
Rural - These dances express the joy in life and music of the Philippine countryside in
the predominantly Christian lowlands.