Bayanihan, the national folk dance company of the Philippines, arrived recently from Istanbul, Turkey, after winning the Grand Prize, the Golden Bridge Award, in the 14th World Folklore Festival for the second time.
In 2007, the Bayanihan had won the Grand Prize in the same festival as well as for Best in Choreography.
Twenty countries participated in the festival, including Kosovo, Russia, Mexico, Bulgaria, Brazil, Egypt, Ukraine and Greece.
Bayanihan, a multi-awarded dance company with over 50 years in performing experience, started joining world-dance competitions in 2002 upon the entry of the second generation of directors: Suzie Benitez , executive director; Ferdinand José, dance director and choreographer; and Melito Vale Cruz, music director.
A seven-time world-dance Grand Prize winner, Bayanihan, a resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, will hold its 2013 season production, “Celebrations: Through the Eyes of Dance,” on Aug. 22-25.
