Fiesta Filipina, Canada's longest-running Filipino dance company, marks 60 years and looks to the next generation

Founded in 1966, Fiesta Filipina is marking six decades as Canada's longest-running Filipino dance company, with president Fanny Calucag focused on keeping traditional Philippine dance alive for younger Filipino Canadians.

Fiesta Filipina, founded in 1966 by Filipino immigrants, has grown into Canada's longest-running Filipino dance company and is marking 60 years, Frequency reported on 26 October. The volunteer-run troupe showcases Philippine culture through performances across Canada and internationally.

For president Fanny Calucag, the anniversary is not just about celebrating the organization's history but ensuring its traditions continue for generations to come. Calucag first encountered George and Estrellita Aguinaldo during a Filipino community convention in the 1970s, when she was living in Kingston, Ont., and Fiesta Filipina members travelled to Kingston to run dance workshops for the children there.

"They wanted to make sure that young Filipinos in Canada would know more about our culture."

Calucag became actively involved after her family moved to Toronto in 1998. Today she leads the troupe, which trains dancers as young as five through junior, intermediate and senior groups.

Keeping it traditional

Unlike groups that incorporate modern interpretations, Calucag said Fiesta Filipina has remained committed to presenting traditional performances. Its productions take audiences through different regions and periods of Philippine history, highlighting Indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial influences and the cultures of Mindanao.

Keeping younger Filipino Canadians interested is not always easy. "That's something that we're trying hard to do because it's still hard to do it. We try our best," Calucag said. The organization holds monthly gatherings called Tambayan to encourage community participation, and younger members have taken on greater responsibilities, including positions on the board of directors.

Six decades on stage

According to the troupe's own history, two former members of the Philippines' Bayanihan Dance Company, Dr. Jose Teodoro and Eleanor Calbes, began forming a small dance group within Toronto's Filipino community, and entrusted Onofre "George" Aguinaldo with its creative direction, passing leadership fully to him after the success of their first major performance in April 1966. The troupe has since performed at the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games and toured Europe, the Americas and the Philippines. In 2004, Estrellita "Estring" Aguinaldo accepted the Banaag Award on behalf of the organization.

Fiesta Filipina operates the Fiesta Filipina Centre for the Arts on Dixie Rd. in Mississauga, which hosts regular Sunday dance rehearsals and provides space for other community organizations. It also takes part in Brampton's Carabram Multicultural Festival with a Philippine Pavilion.

Looking ahead, Calucag hopes to strengthen collaboration with other Filipino cultural organizations, including Folklorico Filipino Canada. "We're hoping that these young people will love our country and will have a special place in their hearts," she said.

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