Top Row (Left to Right): Veronica Gatmaitan, Celine Luna, Jerieca Marie Gatmaitan (MJ), Realyn Jaban Dacut-Pickles, Johanna Creer, Mervin Madrid, Richu John Kung, Gerie Gatmaitan, Joshua Miguel Vicente, Patrick Irving Susas, Judie Marie Gabuya, Shrusha Raghubansi, Dixie Frances Morante Bottom Row (Left to Right): Andrea Ramos, Gabrielle Anne Newbery, Sheila Florendo, Xavielle Moreno, Ruby Dangpilen, Sugar Kaye Grefaldeo, Myla Jean Florendo, Kate Cambiel Torres, Margarita Eriksen, Maria Janice McEwan, Michelle Lopez
Our talented choreographers
Dixie
As a mother
of three, realtor, and President of the Filipino-Australian Brisbane Society
(FABS), Dixie Morante demonstrates that with passion and commitment, anything
is possible. She is able to juggle all these responsibilities while
simultaneously creating a space for us at Hiraya to learn more about our
culture, develop our skills as artists, and be proud of our identity as
Filipinos in Australia.
After Dixie
left the Philippines, she wanted to give back to the community, particularly to
Filipinos who yearned to be reconnected with their cultural heritage. So she
and the rest of FABS have decided to run workshops to educate and properly
train present and future generations of Filipino-Australians in the art of
Philippine folk dance and music. The launch of Hiraya Performing Artists is the
fruit of her hardwork and patience.
Sugar
From dancing
on the streets of Manila to performing internationally, Sugar is always
learning and growing as a student, a dancer and a teacher – all for the love of
the Performing Arts! Dancing saved her life and has inspired her to become an
Artistic director! Sugar knows that dancing can change people’s lives, and this
drives her passion in helping others learn and experience dance in different
ways!
Sugar
teaches Hip Hop in Brisbane at the Y.C.V studio, she is a part of a
multicultural dance company, NUDO and now, also a choreographer of the Hiraya
Performing Artists! She looks forward to sharing the beauty of the Filipino
culture around Australia through cultural workshops for everyone to learn and
enjoy!
Andrea
Andrea Ramos
has been dancing since she was four. Initially, dancing was just a hobby for
her, but it eventually turned into passion as she began to appreciate different
styles of dancing. Among the various dance genres Andrea has explored,
Philippine folk dance is one that has given her new opportunities for growth
and learning. Before coming to Australia, Andrea got into the Philippine High
School for the Arts’ scholarship program majoring in Folk Dance. This allowed
her to better learn and appreciate the traditions and cultures of the various
ethnic groups around the Philippines. Now, as part of Hiraya Performing
Artists, Andrea is able to share her skills and experiences, not just to
members of the Filipino community, but also to the rest of Australia.
Patrick
Being a
passionate performer and an inspiration to his peers is what Patrick Susas,
dancer, choreographer, athlete, and student, is known for. He was a member of
three different dance groups in the Philippines (the FEU Dance Company, Stump,
and Rookies N’ Dream) and he was also fortunate to have performed
internationally! According to him, it was dance that “rescued” his
life. Growing up in the slums was not easy but instead of straying off, Patrick
chose to embrace the life of a performer – he has instilled hope in some people
and helped them make positive changes in their lives.
Michelle
Michelle’s
continuing passion for dancing and learning has inspired her to immerse herself
in the Philippine’s rich culture and indigenous dances. Aside from Philippine
folk dancing, Michelle has extensive experience and training in different dance
genres such as modern jazz, ballroom. Michelle wishes to share her talents with
her fellow Filipinos as she believes that Philippine folk dances should be
embraced and shared for generations to come.
Eric Solano – Virtual trainer
Eric Solano
is a respected leader in the field of Philippine folkloric dance in the USA. He
founded Parangal Dance Company in 2008 to advance and promote Philippine
culture and dance. He continues to serve as its researcher, artistic director
and choreographer.
Central to
Solano’s artistic practice is the building of authentic relationships with
culture bearers over time. He has created thirteen new works under the guidance
of culture bearers from the Maguindanao, Kalinga, Ta’u Sug, Meranao, and Yakan.
Solano creates the essence of tribal village for the proscenium stage with a
narrative rooted in myths, daily life, rituals, dance and music.