The Summer 2026 Philippine Cultural Dance Workshops

Celebrating Filipino Culture Through Dance

Creative Hearts United has launched its 2026 Philippine Cultural Dance Workshops. A series of workshops take place at Dance Studio Leeds throughout the summer.

*Our cultural dance workshop helps participants learn Filipino folk dance while building real community spirit.*

This year, 20 participants have joined the programme. The participants come from members of the Yorkshire Filipino Group (YFG). Together, they will form the YFG Cultural Dance Troupe for the year 2026. The programme helps participants learn Filipino culture through traditional folk dances.

*Dance workshop participants with their Bulaklakan arches.*

Learning Three Traditional Folk Dances

Participants are learning three Filipino folk dances, the Karatong, Bulaklakan, and Subli.

Karatong comes from Cuyo, Palawan. The dance uses bamboo instruments and celebrates community harvest traditions. Bulaklakan is a flower-inspired folk dance. The dance highlights grace, beauty, and community celebration. Subli comes from Batangas in the Philippines. The dance features bamboo castanets and rhythmic movements. Subli honours cultural and religious traditions.

Working through the dance pattern one beat at a time. — *Working through the Subli dance pattern one beat at a time, female performs with their* *hats while male using a bamboo castanets.*

Volunteer Dancers with Passion

Volunteer choreographer Mr. Revson Ignacio leads the workshops. Vhie Linford, Luisa Domingo, and Emma Chu assist with rehearsals and participants development. The team shares its passion for Philippine arts and culture. They also help participants build confidence and performance skills, while providing recreational activities within the community.

From ideas to choreography: shaping the next movement pattern with care and intention.From ideas to choreography: shaping the next movement pattern with care and intention. — *Discussing ideas to choreography, shaping the next movement pattern with care and intention.*

Preparing for Festivals and Events

The dancers will perform at Filipino festivals across the United Kingdom. These performances will showcase Filipino culture to diverse audiences. The tour will give participants valuable stage experience. It will also strengthen community connections through cultural celebration.

*Filipino folk dance, Subli, in the making.*

Community Support Makes It Possible

Community donations help fund the workshops. The programme also receives support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, Wade’s Charity, Brelms Trust, Leeds City Council’s East Leeds Community Committee provides additional funding. This support helps Creative Hearts United deliver accessible cultural activities.

*Behind the scenes: refining steps, spacing, and transitions for the upcoming routine.*

Building the Future of Filipino Cultural Arts

Creative Hearts United continues to invest in cultural education and community engagement. The workshops encourage participation, creativity, and cultural pride. The programme also helps preserve Filipino traditions for future generations. Through dance, participants celebrate their heritage and share it with wider communities.