"State College is able to see an international culture without traveling -- that's the perk," Sullivan said.
Bayanihan is a Filipino term taken from the word bayan, referring to a nation, town or community. The whole term bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective, which, in essence, is the dance company's goal -- working together for the common good of their country and culture.
Diane Daubert, Tour Coordinator and Company Manager, said the spirit of togetherness and love of dance helps the group work together to achieve the objectives of the company, which has 45 members.
"The group is a combination of students and young professionals who love to dance and believe in the mission of preserving Philippine culture and bringing awareness of their cultural history to the world," Daubert said.
The folk traditions of the Philippines are rich and feature countless types of dances. A typical Bayanihan program includes dozens of dances divided into five sections, including works with origins in the mountain, countryside,
Spanish and Muslim traditions and showcases costumes of embroidery, seashells, satin, straw, feathers and frilled lace, she said.
The performance is part of CPA's family events series titled "Forever Young." These events are family-friendly and for all ages. According to Sullivan, there is usually a good turnout with the family events.
"We usually sell fairly well with the family programs. We expect a nice crowd for the Bayanihan performance," Sullivan said.
Like a typical program, tonight's performance features five sections. Each is a distinctive, different dance, ranging from telling the story of man's awareness of nature's colors and sounds to graceful, kaleidoscopic dances, fiestas and clashing gongs.
"It is enjoyable to everyone. It brings joy to Filipino-Americans, excitement to young children who are mesmerized and understanding to those who knew little of the Filipino culture before witnessing the performance. It is a lot of singing, dancing and colors that give you the different facets of the Filipino culture," Daubert said.
An hour before the show, there will be an informal moderated discussion featuring directors of Bayanihan's executive, artistic and costume, deputy music and dance departments. At this discussion, the directors will be able to elaborate on the company's specifics, including touring, dances and costumes.
"This is a nice little program that allows the audience to learn more about the program and the artists before they see the program," Sullivan said.
The Bayanihan company was the
first Filipino group to perform on Broadway and the first non-American dance company to appear at New York
City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
According to Sullivan, the show is sure to demonstrate international dance at its finest, being an innovator in transforming indigenous dance and music into a theatrical presentation chock-full of original and visual action.
"This large company is sure to put on a fun, colorful, athletic and traditional folk dance program full of Philippine culture that is entertaining for everyone," Sullivan said.
Daubert said there are so many reasons to see performance from other countries.
She believes it's important for everyone, especially college students, to experience other things from around the world.
"Knowing other cultures broadens your horizons and your understanding. You learn that there are other people around the world who think just like you. We want people to understand that we have the same dream for the future,
of peace, love and unity, that every-
one, American, Spanish, German, Filipino, Australian, or so on, does," Daubert said.
