At Creative Hearts United, we are passionate about empowering young people to embrace their cultural heritage. In line with this mission, we are thrilled to support a group of British-Filipino students from Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College as they prepare for a special cultural presentation on 21 November 2024. This project showcases our commitment to guiding youth toward self-expression, community connection, and pride in their roots.
The initial brainstorming for this project took place at the Creative Hearts United home, where Chryza Ignacio, Marianne Veraque, and Raeanne Chu helped shape the vision for the performance. Their enthusiasm and creativity set the tone for what would become an incredible collaborative effort.
At the heart of the presentation is Tinikling, a traditional Filipino dance that features two people rhythmically beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles on the ground while dancers move gracefully between them. This dynamic performance mirrors the movements of the tikling bird, creating a captivating blend of rhythm, agility, and coordination. To support the students, Creative Hearts United provided bamboo props, ensuring that their performance remains true to Filipino culture.
Creative Hearts United also secured dance studio for rehearsals, offering the students a professional space to refine their technique. With refreshments on hand during each practice, these young performers stayed energised and focused on bringing their best to the stage. Creative Hearts United purchased bamboo and other essential props, providing a foundation for this lively and intricate dance.
This talented group of students includes Chryza Ignacio, Marianne Veraque, Raeanne Chu, Samantha Limbert, Eoin Baratang, Ren Lopez, Dominick Pagarigan, Chloe Sarabia, Cyrus Choyawon, Marion Respicio, Mia Vila, Michelle, Mary Siao, Wendy Ocampo, and Ella Carys. Each performer brings dedication, creativity, and pride to the performance, making it a celebration of culture, community, and unity.
As we approach the 21 November event, we are excited to see how these students will bring Tinikling to life. We invite everyone to join us in supporting these young artists as they showcase the beauty and strength of cultural pride through dance.
