BP’s Ballet Brigade and Bukidnon’s Seven Tribes Meet for a Cultural Exchange

Ballet Philippines’ Ballet Brigade recently embarked on a meaningful journey to the highlands of Bukidnon, deepening its commitment to connecting communities through dance. Engaging with the seven tribes of the region—the Talaandig, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Matigsalog, Pulangiyen Manobo, and Tigwahanon—the company fostered a powerful exchange of culture, tradition, and artistry.

Ballet Philippines, led by President Kathleen Liechtenstein and Trustee Sheree Chua, were welcomed with great reverence by the Talaandig elders of Songco in Lantapan. A sacred Pamuhat ritual at the Peace Hall in Mayantudug set the tone for the visit, invoking spiritual blessings for the occasion.

A captivating exchange of dances followed, as Talaandig elders performed their traditional movements, their feet resonating with the earth’s rhythm. In return, Ballet Philippines’ dancers shared their own craft, bridging two distinct yet equally expressive art forms. The ballerinas had the honor of learning the Dugso, a ceremonial Talaandig dance, while Bai Ipang, a revered elder, experienced ballet’s elegant allongé. This exchange underscored a shared respect for dance as both storytelling and cultural preservation.

“An unforgettable moment—so moving, we performed three encores,” BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein recounted.

This is Datu Waway Saway, the tribe leader who traces his ancestors to the Great Flood survivors. He is very charismatic and greatly talented in visual arts and music. He performed his song at the Lincoln Center for the Julliard School of Music.
He will perform live chant for the Mindanao full-length ballet .
Mindanao will be an original full length ballet about the many tribes of Mindanao and how unity and harmony turned it into a paradise! Watch out for it Sept 2027.

On the second day, the company visited Lantapan National High School, where nearly 100 students were introduced to ballet through an immersive workshop. The session culminated in a vibrant showcase, met with enthusiastic applause from the school community.

The Ballet Brigade’s journey extended to Kitaotao, Quezon, and Malaybalay, where performances near significant monuments by Lawig Diwa President Kublai Millan transformed public spaces into artistic stages. These performances brought audiences together in a shared celebration of movement and heritage.
This extraordinary collaboration—made possible through the efforts of Lawig Diwa Inc. and the Talaandig community—demonstrates the power of dance in preserving tradition and building bridges between cultures. Through these exchanges, Ballet Philippines continues its mission of inspiring and uniting communities, proving that the language of movement knows no borders.