PASACAT Presents 23rd Annual Junior Concert May 8
May 7, 2010 by Ana Cabato
Filed under Events
Maglalatik
The 23rd Annual Junior PASACAT Concert will be held on May 8, 2:00 PM at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC), 4343 Ocean View Boulevard (map). The ninety minute concert of traditionally based Philippine dance will showcase young dancers between the ages of four to nineteen and several new musicians who began rehearsals in January.
PASACAT’s Junior Program began in 1988 when Joji Ramirez Castro, former member of the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company from 1972-1985, became the PASACAT Junior Dance Director. Traditional Philippine dance and songs are taught to the children as a way of imparting the rich culture of the 7,100 island Republic. PASACAT held its first Junior Concert in 1984 at the ECC, in 1989 at St. Rita’s Church Auditorium and since 1990 at the ECC.
Pasigin
The concert will feature dances from the Spanish-European influences, Mindanao and the Countryside. Dances include the bird dance Kadal Blila from the mountain regions of Mindanao, Paso Doble reflecting the Spanish-European influences, the popular Singkil originally a Maranao fan dance which has evolved into one of the most colorful and memorable of Philippine dances.
“I love how I have a second family to come to at PASACAT” said Kelsey Sinsay, a dancer for the past 12 years. “It’s also one of the first places where I learned about Filipino culture.”
Katzudoratan
Family is a common theme among the young dancers. Fifteen-year old Alex Abutin, who has been dancing with PASACAT for six years, shared, “I like how when you come more often, you form this bond with every one in PASACAT and become a close family.”
A second family and great food may be what keeps a lot of dancers coming back to PASACAT. However, some things are more simply put. “I like playing drums and dancing,” claims a six year old Miles Batuyong. Although a three-year “veteran” in the group, Batuyong is still one of the youngest dancers in PASACAT.
Dugso
Tickets may be purchased on the day of the performance at the Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego. Tickets are $15.00 with discounts available for children senior citizens, students and active military with ID.
For more information contact PASACAT, 102 East 16th Street, National City, California, 619-477-3383, or their website at www.pasacat.org.
PASACAT is funded in part by a program managed by the Community Development Block Grant of the City of National City and the County of San Diego Community Enhancement Fund.
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