The Visiting Artists Program of FACSPS

The Visiting Artists Program of FACSPS is a continuing program to offer as a gift to our new country America the lovely and exotic aspects of the arts and culture of the motherland, the Philippines. It is also our way of inculcating to the Filipino-American youth the heritage of their forefathers and to be proud of it as a vital component of the American mosaic.

Governor Gary Locke in 2001, in celebration of the performance of the Philippine Ballet Theatre, wrote, “Knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultures and traditions are important in creating a greater understanding among people from different backgrounds. Incorporating native costumes and ethnic themes in dancing, the artists of the Philippine Ballet Theatre promises to engage, entertain, and educate all in attendance. Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to FACSPS for bringing these acclaimed artists to Tacoma.”

As early as 1983, FACSPS played host to visiting artists of the Filipiniana Dance Troupe and Chorale where they performed at Fabian Hall in Lacey. In 1985 FACSPS co-sponsored the show of the Barangay Folk Dance Troupe from the Philippines at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma. In 1991 a musical-play “Across Oceans of Dreams” was presented at the Evergeen State College by visiting thespians. The latter was a dramatic play about the bitter-sweet early days of Filipino immigration to America.

The Visiting Artists Program of the FACSPS envisions a dynamic interchange between our youth and families and topnotch artists from the Philippines. In 1999 and 2001, there were the Philippine Ballet (PBT) Theatre gala performances at the Washington Center and at Pantages Theater, respectively. In the three days preceding the gala performance of the PBT in 2001, the artists rehearsed at the Johansen Ballet School in Olympia where they interacted with American ballet students. The artists also taught students at the Jo Emery Ballet School in Tacoma. On the whole the parties benefited from the experience -- new acquaintances were made and relationships sustained. The artists learned about life in Washington State during their sojourn and while living with host families.

The international awardees De La Salle University (DLSU) Chorale performed at the Washington Center in 2002. The DLSU Chorale likewise sang free of charge at different colleges that included the South Puget Sound Community College, the Saint Martin’s College and the Pierce College in Puyallup. The student-artists developed lasting cultural relationships with their counterparts in America.

The performance of Visiting Artists teach the audience to appreciate the richness, beauty and exoticism of Filipino performing arts and music.. And with its appreciation, the people realize that art indeed is a common denominator to know more of one another. And as the audience are enthralled by the show, they begin to inquire, reach out, and allow a pristine fellowship to take root. And FACSPS is delighted to have contributed to such fellowship.

In April 2003, the University of the Philippines Concert (song and dance) Chorus performed in Olympia to very appreciative audience. The UPCC concert sponsored by FACSPS was their first engagement in an extensive American and European tour.

Some Reviews of Visiting Troupes:

“PBT’s energy and spirit are what the dance is all about.” – Wes Chapman, Principal Dancer of the American Ballet

PBT’s repertoire continues to dazzle and amaze local and international audience with the original and creative concepts of its choreography.” – Regina Popper, St. Louis Dispatch

“You will never know how versatile the human voice can be unless you listen to the De La Salle University Chorale.” Greek News Weekly, Athens.

“An exotic fairy tale sound coming from another world: singing, rhythmic energy and magical quality bound with perfect show of professional level!” – Spittal An der drau, Austria

“The blending of their (UPCC) voices was angelic-like, and one could easily hear a pin drop when they sang. The audience after every song erupts to an explosive applause and praise and satisfaction.” Filipino American Herald, Washington