Shirley Halili-Cruz: A woman of substance at 60
AHEARTWARMING and nostalgic event was held in celebration of a great milestone in the life of notable fellow in the world of Philippine ballet and a great woman of substance, Shirley Halili-Cruz, on October 20.
With the special people in her life, the prime mover of Philippine ballet’s 60th birthday celebration was meticulously conceptualized by her loving and respectful children, Anna and Francis.
Opened in Shangri-La Hotel with elegant music, to Meralco Theater with a concert and dance presentations from various dance troupes all over the country, and heartfelt audio-visual presentations, the grand reception
culminated at Marquis Events Place Global City.
The concert was consisted of three parts – performances from Halili Cruz School of Ballet with excerpts from “Prelude ala Danse Vida” and a version of “Seize the Day” from Halili Cruz Conservatory.
Guests also enjoyed presentations from 10 dance groups including Sinukuan Kapangpangan Center for the Arts, UP Dance Company, An- nie Divinagracia Santorio School of Performing Arts, J Crisis ( hiphop) St. Louis University, UST Salangawi Dance Groupe, LPU Lahing Batangas Dance Troupe, PNU Kislap Sining, and Bayanihan Dance Company.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Dance also presented an inspirational dance medley.
One of the highlights of the event was the rendition of “I Believe I Can Fly” performed by teachers and students of Halili Cruz School of Ballet. There were also orchestra and live bands who played the favorites of Halili- Cruz. Bringing tears many eyes was a poem written and recited by Francis, titled “Ang Aking Inay.”
Holding a doctorate degree in performing arts, Halili- Cruz is a multiawarded, outstanding, respected, well- loved artistic director, dance educator, artist, jury, scholar choreographer, ballet teacher, former ballet dancer, author, resource person, writer, social worker, civic leader, academician, consultant, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador.
She is also the chairman of the NCCA-National Committee on Dance, and the founder and artistic director of the prestigious Halili Cruz School of Ballet and Dance Company. She also founded and directed the “SayawPinoy National Dance Competition” and “Dance Xchange: The Philippine International Dance Workshop.”