Sayaw Pinoy is a long running program of the National Committee on Dance of the NCCA in celebration of the National Arts Month. It was launched in February, 2006, practically has been ongoing for 16 years now. Sayaw Pinoy is intended to: 1. bring on one stage the different dance genres - folkdance, classical ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, ballroom and hiphop dances; 2. provide venue for interaction among established and upcoming dance groups from different parts of the country; 3. bring quality dance performances to the different cities and municipalities of the country; and 4. promote appreciation  for Philippine culture and arts through dance.
 

Prior to the pandemic, the NCCA-National Committee on Dance has brought to at least 35 venues all over the country with 35 performances, involving at least 100 dance groups and  bringing together at least 50,000 live audience, annually. The pandemic that changed our lives caught us unprepared. But our passion and confidence in our craft, dance,  have given us enough strength and hope to bounce back and migrate into this inspiring, innovative and trailblazing initiative, the Sayaw Pinoy goes Virtual.

Sayaw Pinoy goes Virtual provides the digital platform  for engagements among the local government units, NCCA and the different dance groups to support culture and arts activities,  like the participation of local dance groups in national events, such as this. It will be a way of developing or strengthening the people’s sense of pride for their hometown building esteem and identity for the community while  making the mainstream society appreciate the treasures which are found in the regions.

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Sayaw Pinoy goes Virtual  2021 – 2022 expanded in terms of the number of participating groups and audience, as there were  295 dance groups involved and an audience of 1.25 M.

The plight of hundreds of choreographers, dance groups, dancers and their activities coming to a halt  at this time encouraged me to conceptualize these online activities. Since dance is a performing art, it is my great desire to be able to provide in any way possible a chance to continue producing and showcasing the works of our dance artists.

As I watched every performance repeatedly, tears of joy roll down my cheeks because of the wonderful work you have done. My deepest gratitude and appreciation for each one of you. Your names are written in my heart. I believe that our collaboration in this project created a bond of friendship that will help us all rise again amidst all the difficulties.

Thank you for all your wonderful creations. Thank you for sharing  with our people your creations. Let us keep the faith and continue what we are doing until we see a new dawn from this dark Covid experience.
 

Mabuhay ang Sayaw! Mabuhay ang mga manggagawa ng sining!

Shirley Halili Cruz

Founder and Director of Sayaw Pinoy

Chairman, NCCA National Committee on Dance