Fairfield University's yearlong focus of "Global Citizenship" continues with the presentation of the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company at the Quick Center for the Arts on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, $35 and $30 and are available online at fairfield.edu/quick or by calling the Box Office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free 1-877-ARTS-396. The Bayanihan dancers are an Arts & Minds presentation.

The Bayanihan story spans forty-three years of performances all over the world. It had its early roots in the Filipiniana Folk Music and Dance Committee of the Philippine Women's University (PWU). But it was not until 1957 that the PWU Bayanihan Folk Arts Center and its performing arm, the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company were founded by Dr. Helena Z. Benitez to pursue the following objectives: to conduct research in ethnic rites, tribal folklore and regional folk ways; to collect indigenous art forms as expressed in music, dance, literature, arts and crafts; to distill and transform these cultural traditions into theatrical presentations; and to promote international understanding through cultural exchange and performances abroad.

The company has performed to wide acclaim throughout the world. Of an appearance in the Nation's Capital, The Washington Post declared, "The dancers were designed as much as choreographed, featuring constantly changing patterns and groupings and multiple entrances and exits ... the pieces were short and fast-moving, performed with flawless deportment, and showcased costumes of embroidery, seashells, satin, straw, feathers and frilled lace ... To judge a group like this on 'authenticity' would be flat out wrong ... Bayanihan is looking as pretty and gracious as ever."

The Bayanihan's awards and recognition have had an impact on numerous folk dance companies in the country and beyond. The company counts among its most rewarding achievements, the fact that its example has inspired other countries to exploit their own folk material for international presentation.

Special offers and discounts are available through the Quick Center's e-mail list. Join, by contacting boxoffice@quickcenter.com . And become a fan of the Quick Center for the Arts on Facebook! Keep up-to-date with the latest performance news, plus special offers and discounts! Find the Quick Center at www.facebook.com/FairfieldQuickCenter.

Directions: Fairfield University is located off I-95, exit 22 at 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Access to the Quick Center for the Arts is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Special Note: From Oct. 4, 2010 through June 30, 2012, the southern end of North Benson Road (Rt. 135) will be closed to traffic on nights and weekends. Round Hill Road intersects with Barlow and provides access to the Quick Center for the Arts.

Posted On: 10-26-2010 10:10 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 90