There’s something special about swapping the polished floors of a dance studio for the open grass of a Leeds park, especially when the English summer gifts you a rare burst of sunshine. This week, the Yorkshire Filipino Group (YFG) Cultural Dance Troupe did exactly that, gathering at East End Park for a well‑earned summer picnic, a precursor to the start of their summer tour this 2026.
The picnic was facilitated by Creative Hearts United, bringing together participants from its ongoing Cultural Dance Workshop project. The group will be learning one of the many vibrant folk dances that make up the rich tapestry of Philippine cultural heritage. Practising outdoors added a playful twist, music drifting across the park, dancers laughing between steps, and families relaxing under the warm sun.
What makes this project meaningful isn’t just the dancing. It’s the people. The troupe is made up of NHS workers, carers, homemakers, students, and young professional, members of the Filipino diaspora who want to stay connected to their roots while fully embracing life in the UK. Through folk dance, they find a space to celebrate identity, build friendships, and share culture with the wider community.
The picnic became an extension of that spirit, food shared, stories exchanged, children running around, and a collective sense of belonging. Gathering like this breaks down the barrier of participation, making everyone feel welcome, whether they’re seasoned performers or newcomers simply curious about reconnecting with their roots.
A sunny afternoon, good company, and a dance tradition passed from one generation to the next… And not to mention a bowl of pancit.
