The AlunAlun Dance Circle (ADC) was founded
by Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, who is also the artistic director and master
choreographer for the group. Ligaya was born and raised in Marikina. She
developed her love for art and eventually found her calling in dance. She
graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1962 from Far Eastern
University.
“I am grateful to
FEU for being a steadfast supporter of my life’s purpose of preserving the
cultural and historical relevance of Indigenous dance forms,”- said Ligaya
Fernando-Amilbangsa in an article published by the Manila Standard on December
12, 2015.
Ligaya is a
recipient of FEU’s Green and Gold Award for Outstanding Alumni in 1994, the
Most Outstanding Artist of Tawi Tawi Award of 2011, and the 2015 Ramon
Magsaysay Awardee for safeguarding Pangalay as a precious component of Filipino
Heritage and a living link to other Asian dance cultures.
Throughout the
years, Ligaya committed her life to patiently documenting the Sulu region’s
dance routines and their allied expressions, teaching dance with a method she
developed, and choreographing performances.
In 2016, her
13-year research book titled "Pangalay: Traditional Dance and Related Folk
Artist Expression” was declared the best art book by the Manila Critics
Circle.
The AlunAlun Dance
Circle’s (ADC) PANGALAY AT MASKARA is a non-profit dance organization dedicated
to upholding cultural appreciation of the Indigenous people of the Southern
Philippines through preserving, conserving, and propagating the pangalay dance
from the Sulu Archipelago.
Careful innovation
in the theatricalization of their dance traditions like pangalay, lunsay, and
langka is incorporated through the Asian tradition of wearing masks in creating
choreography for theatrical presentations. The traditional choreography is
integrated into contemporary themes, utilizing pop music and compositions of
National Artists for the public to appreciate the dance, especially the new
generation.
“The show
presented the importance of
safeguarding a Philippine intangible cultural heritage which “ensures the
continuity of tradition” that is, in turn,
“essential to the soul of a nation.”- said Edgar Allan M. Sambrano in an
article published by the Daily Tribune on March 18, 2024.
Don’t miss out on
the opportunity to experience and appreciate this significant component of
Philippine heritage as presented by a highly respected cultural icon in the FEU
Auditorium, which incidentally celebrates its 75th anniversary this year!
The cultural event
is free for all! Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/hkWfHPgRSR
For more
information on the concert, please follow or message the Far Eastern University
Center for the Arts on their Social Media accounts: Facebook and Instagram.
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