The Philippine Dance Company of Rochester

Kappa Malong-Malong

Itik-Itik

Surtido - Aljon & Mayrell Cesista

     The Philippine Dance Company of Rochester had its beginnings in 2006, when founding members Evan and Merle Snow, and their children Aljon and Mayrell  perform the Philippine folk dances, "Tinikling", performed with bamboo poles which the dancers jump over,  and Surtido, a spanish influenced folk dance, at Open Door Baptist Church for their Annual International Missions Conference. They were then asked to perform at the Asian Heritage Family Day at the Memorial Art Gallery of Rochester, NY the following spring, to great applause. They have performed there ever since, representing the Philippine community with pride. Since then the membership rolls have increased, as more people have become aware of the company's existence. The dance repertoire has expanded from the original two dances to eight standards, including the crowd favorites, "Itik-Itik" (Duck Dance), "Kappa Malong-Malong" and the "Bulaklakan" (Flower Dance), with more on the way.

     In May 2011, all members of the dance troupe voted to become an independent troupe, devoted to the promotion of Philippine culture through dance. Now the Philippine Dance Company of Rochester (PDCOR) stands as a self-supporting, not-for-profit group. PDCOR welcomes any person interested in participating in dance performances and now boasts over 25 permanent members. Recent performances have included local churches, schools, picnics, and Philippine cultural events in Toronto, Canada.

     In addition to performances, PDCOR members also participate in fundraising activities to assist those in need, through meal delivery services to cancer patients, car-washes, clothing and bottle drives, the "Dress a Girl Around the World " ministry for orphans throughout the world and most recently to raise funds for the typhoon relief effort in the Philippines, through performances and by Christmas caroling door to door.

Psalm 149:3 NIV

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.