Grace Under Pressure: A Folk Dance Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Philippine Folk Dance reflects the unique richness of Filipino culture. It is an art form that embodies the music, literature, and visual arts inherent in our race. It aims to preserve our heritage, strengthen unity, and entertain the community. But more than that, it is a way to show pride in our Filipino identity and increase self-confidence. An example of a wonderful folk dance is the Paseo sa Plaza, a dance often performed at festivals and celebrations. It features elegant and colorful costumes while displaying movements full of grace and efficiency. This dance often depicts courtship in the traditional way, and each step is in tune with the music, providing a romantic and charming spectacle. During our intramurals event, we had the opportunity to dance the Paseo in the Plaza as a representative of the College of Education, Arts, and Sciences. Our group is made up of students from different majors such as Social Studies, Elementary Education, English, and TLE. Despite the challenges, we were able to put on an amazing performance that brought us joy, challenge, and inspiration.

Beginning of Preparation
Unlike other groups from other departments, we don't have a professional trainer for our dance. Instead, our choreography is done by our senior who is also part of our group. She took the time and dedication to teach us, and together we studied every step to make sure we could showcase the beauty of the Paseo in the Plaza. Another challenge was our costumes. The funds allocated by our department were not enough, so we had to contribute for the shortfalls. In addition, we had a setback due to the sudden illness of our seamstress, which caused a delay in the production of our garment. Despite this, we were able to find an alternative and find a new tailor in the short time before the competition.

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The Day
When the day of our performance came, the nervousness in our chests was undeniable. The grand costumes of the other contestants, who seemed to be more beautiful and polished compared to us, were clearly visible. Watching the other groups with fancy costumes and grand presentations, I doubted if we could keep up. But backstage, I looked back at everything we worked for and said, "We can do this." However, we did not let our self-confidence crumble. The support of my classmates became my support. They even brought banners that read "Go FEMIMI, the Miss Heart of Social Studies". It's great to feel this kind of support that I rarely get to experience.

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Walking to the stage, I felt the weight of responsibility. It's not just about personal success, but an opportunity to showcase our culture in front of an audience. The sound of the music starting, stepping on the stage, and staring at the audience seemed to give me a strange energy. Every move, every smile, and every step I did with all my heart. I feel every song of music seem to flow through my soul. Our overall performance was not technically perfect, but the connection to our culture and the love we put into dance brought true success.

While dancing, I think that I am doing it not only for myself but for the people who believe in me. Their shouts and applause gave me the strength to dance with full skill and confidence. For me, this was the best and last performance of my life.

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The Unforgettable Experience
The Paseo sa Plaza dance is more than a performance for me. As a Social Studies student who holds Philippine history and culture close to her heart, this is an honor. With every movement of my feet, I felt the connection to our tradition, as if going back in time to the past where dance was an important part of our Filipino identity. It is a journey full of learning, struggle, and triumph. With each step of the dance, it seems like a piece of our history comes alive again. Paseo sa Plaza is a reminder that our culture and tradition are treasures to be cherished and proud.

Lessons and Inspiration
My Paseo sa Plaza experience wasn't just about dancing; it is also a journey towards recognition and pride in our Filipino identity. Despite the challenges and shortcomings, we have proven that we can overcome any test as long as there is unity, determination, and mutual trust. This simple presentation was a reminder that our culture should be proud, appreciated, and passed on to the next generation. Ultimately, dance gave me a deeper connection to my identity as a Filipino. Although our journey has not been easy, the whole experience has been one of the happiest parts of my life as a student and dancer.

The Remarkable Impact of My Group
Our group is made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds, but united for a common goal: to showcase the beauty of folk dance in our intramurals. Despite the lack of a trainer and costume malfunctions, our dedication never wavered. Each rehearsal was filled with sweat, fun, and sometimes, a little conflict—but all of it made our bond stronger. Our senior, who designed the choreography, is an inspiration to us. With her guidance and teaching, we learned the importance of being open to criticism and working together. Her sacrifice gave us the strength to continue our cause, even though we faced many challenges.

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The Deep Meaning of Folk Dance in My Life
Philippine folk dance, like the Paseo sa Plaza, is not just a dance. It is a powerful form of storytelling—a story of our history, tradition, and character as Filipinos. As I perform this dance, I can't help but think of past generations who once celebrated and showed love for our culture through dance.

Every movement is full of meaning. A simple step or hand gesture reflects a deeper aspect of our culture. In Paseo sa Plaza, the theme of courtship brings nostalgic memories of traditional ways of showing love. The dancing couples seem to tell a story of respect, tenderness, and love—Filipino values that still exist in our modern times.