On 26 July 2025, the lush grounds of Queens Park, Crewe came alive with rhythm, laughter, and cultural pride as the YFG Teens delivered a captivating performance of Tinikling, the national folk dance of the Philippines, during the Barrio Fiesta sa Cheshire East.
This electrifying showcase was more than a dance—it was a celebration of identity, heritage, and community spirit. As bamboo poles clapped in time, the dancers moved with elegance and energy, weaving through the shifting rhythm with remarkable agility and grace. The crowd watched in awe—and many couldn’t resist the invitation to try the steps themselves, discovering firsthand just how delightfully tricky Tinikling can be!
A Dance Rooted in History
Tinikling is one of the oldest traditional dances in the Philippines, believed to have originated in the Visayas. It mimics the movement of the tikling bird as it dodges bamboo traps set by farmers—symbolizing agility, freedom, and harmony with nature. In every beat and step, the dance carries the joy and resilience of the Filipino spirit.
A Joyful Highlight: Dance Meets Cultural Exchange
One of the most heartwarming highlights came after the performance, when members of the audience were invited to step up and try Tinikling for themselves. What followed was a joyful and spontaneous moment of cross-cultural connection—with many of the volunteers coming from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiencing the dance for the very first time. Laughter filled the air as they braved the bamboo poles, guided by the warm encouragement of the YFG Teens.
It was a beautiful reminder of how dance can transcend language and background, bringing people together through shared experience and joyful movement.
Empowering the Next Generation
The performance was part of a cultural initiative by Creative Hearts United, a UK-based charity committed to empowering British-Filipino youth through the arts. By offering dance workshops and cultural education, Creative Hearts United helps young people reconnect with their roots and become ambassadors of Filipino heritage in the UK.
This summer’s Tinikling project was a shining example of this mission in action. The YFG Teens not only embraced the challenge of learning a traditional dance but brought it to life with authenticity, style, and infectious enthusiasm.
Kudos to Our Cultural Ambassadors
Special thanks go to the talented choreographers and performers who made this unforgettable moment possible:
Chryza, Raeanne, Dominick, and Ren — your creativity, energy, and warm engagement with the audience turned a performance into a shared celebration. Your work continues to inspire and uplift the community.
Celebrating Filipino Culture in the UK
As the final beats echoed and the applause rang out, one thing was clear: Filipino culture is alive, vibrant, and thriving in the UK. Through initiatives like this, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and invest in a future where our stories, dances, and traditions continue to shine.
Mabuhay ang kulturang Pilipino! (Long live the Filipino culture—joyfully shared, proudly lived.)
