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Boston Dance Company's Philippine Independence Dance Festival 2004

The Philippine Dance Company (PDCo.) of Boston introduces their Philippine Independence Dance Festival 2004, Alab Ng Puso or "Flame of Freedom" to be held at Babson College, Wellesley, MA, Saturday, June 12, 2004; the 106th anniversary of independence celebrated by Filipinos worldwide.

Young and older dancers will perform this program, featuring traditional Phillipine dance.  Their volunteer efforts will benefit abused, exploited children and especially for children who have serious medical expenses.  ABS-CBN Foundation, a 501 (3)c charity, will oversee disbursement of donated funds.

The program introduction will narrate an overview of history from Spanish explorer Magellan's discovery to Jose Rizal, a Filipino aristocrat executed for writings that spread the "flame of freedom" throughout the Philippines that threw of the yoke of Spanish colonialism in the late 1800s.

Pre-colonial tribal dances such as ati-atihan and the dugso, a dance to please the gods, will be performed. From the Royal Court in the Muslim South is the Singkil, and is introduced by the Asik, a solo piece requiring great timing and agility. Charmaine Panganiban, who attends the Boston Academy of the Arts as a dance student, will perform the solo. Judy Solar, a PDCo. Teacher for the national dance tinikiling will be the Princess featured in Singkil. Both of these complex numbers are choreographed and taught by Leona Ward, a graduate of the Alvin Ailey School of Dance Theater and Psyche Lacson, a performer and teacher. From the countryside comes bangko, an exciting, fast paced dance on stacked benches, taught by Charlene Fadrigalan and with Melanie Nazareno as one of the performers.

Bantay Bata 163 has identified 37 children whose families have asked for medical services, but require donations from outside the Philippines to save these small lives. Among them is Hershan, a 2-year-old with TB in need of 6 months anti-TB
therapy before he can have intestinal surgery to correct a nerve cell disorder. Eight-year-old Jochelle, who has congenital heart disease, needs a 100,000 peso surgery, about $2,000 US, that is out of reach for her family. With no Medicaid
or health insurance for these children, families struggle to provide total support despite very low incomes. Without Bantay Bata, a grim outlook faces these children.

There is one matinee from 2-4 PM and one evening show from 6-8 PM on June 12th. Location: Babson College, Sorenson Center for the Art in Wellesley, MA. Tickets are $15.00 and orchestra seats are $20.00 each. All tickets are sold as reserved seats. To purchase tickets contact Bill Solar: (781) 329-8214, Ben Manzano: (781) 986-6354, Boy Torres: 781 231 1007 or John Ward: (781) 449-2257. Email: pdco_boston@yahoo.com. Visit our website: www.pdcoboston.org