Bacolod Dance Academy's Tribute to the Filipino Music

Bacolod Dance Academy presents: A Tribute to the Filipino Music, a classical ballet presentation at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, December 13, 6:00 p.m.

After a major presentation of ballet classics (Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker) last year, Bacolod Dance Academy headed by its directress, Marichit Arrieta-Hofilena, goes Filipino this time, paying tribute to beautiful classics such as Matud Nila, Ngayon at Kailanman, Ikaw, Tuwing Umuulan, Sa Libis ng Nayon, Parang Kailan Lang, Iduyan Mo, Anak, and many more.

A sharp contrast from last year's major presentation complete with major production concerns, the 2009 presentation is free from frills, so minimalistic in costume and stage design that the dancers' lines can be appreciated even more.

The all-Filipino music also tugs at the heartstrings, be it a touching ballad or a fast number, from opening to curtain call. Each number, even still only rehearsals, never fail to cause goosebumps at the back of my neck. I remember their first day of practice, a tear trickled down my face as the depth of emotion of original Filipino music gripped my heart.

Surely this is another visual-musical-performance treat that is truly food for the soul, served in all its simplistic minimalism by the Bacolod Dance Academy.