Are we honouring or appropriating? The role of cultural permission in showcasing Indigenous Filipino dances overseas

For community leader and cultural dancer Dixie Morante and her group, performing traditional Philippine dances is not just entertainment for the audience but also an important duty and honour to proudly preserve and protect the culture.

The traditional dances of the T’boli tribe of Mindanao are often performed with agung and kulintang music, and are deeply tied to the T'boli’s connection with nature and their spiritual beliefs. Image by: Hiraya Performing Artists Brisbane| Estetic Photography

Key Points

• Dixie Morante advocates for Filipino performers in Australia to take great care in presenting traditional Philippine tribal dances with respect and accuracy. This means seeking permission from cultural communities, following the correct movements, and honouring the traditional attire.
• She explains that the dance movements are more than just motions; they carry significant meanings tied to the history, environment, and spiritual beliefs of indigenous peoples like the Tausug, Maguindanaon, and Yakan.
• Her group participated in Filipino intensive dance workshops with the help of Parangal Dance Company from San Francisco, under the direction of Eric Solano, where they studied dances from Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.

PAKINGGAN ANG PODCAST

'Mahalaga ang pahintulot mula sa tribo': Pagtatanghal ng katutubong sayaw sa dayuhang lupain

SBS Filipino

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During Filipino community celebrations in Australia, audiences eagerly look forward to vibrant performances of traditional indigenous dances.

One of the groups bringing these colourful cultural presentations to life is Hiraya Performing Artist Brisbane, in partnership with the Filipino Australian Brisbane Society Inc. Leading the group is Dixie Morante from Queensland, who also teaches and mentors young performers in preserving and presenting these traditional dances.

Hindi kami basta-basta lang sumasayaw. Napaka-importante na you ask permission from the culture bearers.

Dixie Morante, Cultural Dancer

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