Former international student to stage solo performance in Canberra and Queensland showcasing Filipino folk dance and hip-hop

Sugar Kaye Grefaldeo never imagined that her talent in dance would take her to Australia. She travelled to the Land Down Under twice to represent the Philippines in an international competition, and those experiences inspired her to move to Australia, where she continued her path as a teacher and international student.

FORTUNA is written based on Sugar's real-life journey as dancer and choreographer, from her early dance experiences in Manila to her current role as a mentor and community leader.

KEY POINTS

• For the first time, a Filipina will present her own solo dance theatre performance at the Canberra Theatre Centre (October 11) and the Queensland Multicultural Centre (October 17). The production features a unique fusion of Filipino folk dance and hip-hop.
• Sugar Kaye Grefaldeo aims to introduce and preserve traditional Filipino dances while also questioning the concept of “fortune”.
• The production, titled FORTUNA, is based on her real-life journey as a dancer and choreographer from her beginnings in Manila to her current life as a teacher and migrant in Australia. It also highlights the pivotal role of her teacher, Raffy Fortuna, who first recognised her potential and opened the path that changed her life.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Former international student to stage solo performance in Canberra and Queensland showcasing Filipino folk dance and hip-hop

SBS Filipino

31:55Filipino

I want people who watch the show to take away a sense of identity and appreciation for our culture. Filipino folk dances are often underrated these days, but through this, we can really showcase our rich cultural heritage. I hope it also reaches the next generation of Filipino-Australians, reminding us of our roots, honouring those who saw potential in us, and reflecting on the challenges and achievements we’ve experienced as immigrants.

Sugar Kaye Grefaldeo, dancer and teacher

Her show is a dynamic solo dance/theatre work that explores themes of luck, wealth and fortune through a fusion of Filipino folk dance and Hip-Hop, enriched with spoken word and audience interaction.

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