Wednesday, June 15, 2011

...the Fil-Ams in Utah

Fil-Ams rediscover Pinoy culture

06/15/2011

SALT LAKE CITY- Philippine culture is coming to life in Utah through the art of dance.

Thanks to the Kulturang Pinoy Ensemble, a dance group created by Filipino families who were concerned that their children were losing their heritage.

Almost all of their dancers have lived in or visited the Philippines, but most of them learned more about their Pinoy roots by performing Filipino dances.

Ensemble member Josel Angeles said, “When I was in the Philippines I didn’t really know our culture; I didn’t dance the 'Tinikling,' but here, I’ve learned a lot.”

The dance troupe, which was created last September, started only with with 10 members. But today, it already has 50, and more want to join.

The ensemble’s vice president Teena Jensen said that although dance is the focus of the group, participants are taught much more than how to move to music. They are also taught Filipino.

Jensen added that as the group continues to grow, she expects more and more Filipinos to maintain their culture and share it with their friends and communities.

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