A meaningful exchange with the Indigenous Tagakaolo Tribe in Saranggani and an inspiring performance at Mindanao Art 2025 highlight the company’s commitment to cultural exchange and advocacy.
Ballet Philippines (BP), the country’s leading classical and contemporary dance company, continues its mission of cultural exchange and advocacy through a meaningful encounter with the Tagakaolo Tribe in Saranggani and its participation in MinArt 2025, Mindanao’s premier art and cultural gathering.
As part of its 10th indigenous community visit, BP traveled to Malungon, Saranggani, where the company was warmly welcomed by Datu Reneboy, Chieftain Antonio, and the Tagakaolo elders with a traditional dance.
Through their rich dances and music, the tribe shared their heritage, and in return BP offered the art of ballet through performances and an engaging workshop. It became more than an exchange of performance—a celebration of identity, creativity, and the beauty of two cultures meeting.
“Each visit with our indigenous communities is uniquely meaningful, and our time with the Tagakaolo Tribe is no exception,” said BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein. “These encounters remind us that ballet is not only about performance, but also about connection, learning, and honoring the many stories that shape our shared cultural identity.”
Dancers Regina Magbitang, Eduardson Evangelio, Carlo Padoga, and Peter San Juan echoed the sentiment, sharing how the tribe’s excitement and eagerness to learn—especially among the children—left a lasting impression on them.
At MinArt 2025, which gathered artists, institutions, and cultural movers from over 180 communities, Ballet Philippines presented an excerpt from its original Filipiniana ballet Ang Panaginip.
The company was also recognized as an Outstanding Dance Company for its contributions to Philippine culture.
As the dancers shared, they stand united with the company’s vision for this Ballet Brigade: to bring ballet to every corner of the country while learning from the communities they serve.