A Filipino dance troupe based in Austria charmed guests at the recently held Philippine Fiesta festival and exposition at the Haus der Bagegnung in Vienna’s 19th District.

Folklorico Filipino-Austria’s performance was based on a colorful Filipino cultural and historical experiences.
 
The group is the most eminent theatrical Filipino dance company in Austria, if not in Western Europe.

Founded in the late 1980’s, the company's name rings a bell in Austria as an active and visible representative of the Filipino community.

“The group is composed of newly arrived Filipino immigrants in Vienna. We met and soon began to socialize with Filipinos living in Vienna. From this socialization, there  came the desire to form a dance group, that would showcase the cultures and traditions of the Filipinos,” Wilson Tan Ho, the choreograher of the group told ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.

The innovative style of Folklorico Filipino, modernizing the folk dances of the Philippine cultures, has made them distinct and recognized in Austria.

Folklorico Filipino member Thessie Weitzbauer disclosed the group’s objective.

“Through our music, songs and dances, we want to depict our unique Filipino culture and traditions. We also want to train interested Filipinos of all ages in Philippine folk music and dance,” Weitzbauer said.

The group hopes to encourage more Filipinos and Austrians to discover and develop their talents and potential in the performing arts.

During the group’s performance, hundreds of Pinoys and Austrians witnessed the versatility of the group.

Johannes Peischel, an Austrian guest very much appreciated the presentation of the group.

“The show is really wonderful and magnificent. I like very much the Bamboo Dance. It has really unique movements as the dancers hop from one bamboo to another!” Peischel said.

Filipina guest Adel Broinger said she is proud of her countrymen.

“They are our cultural ambassadors in Austria. Magaling sila at ipinagmamalaki sila ng bawat Pilipino ditto sa Austria dahil sa commitment nilang maipalaganap ang kulturang Pinoy ditto sa ibang bansa,” Broinger said.

“As a cultural group, Folklorico Filipino in Austria operates as a non-profit organization. We do shows not for money sake. We do receive voluntary donations and contributions through sponsorship and performance fees. We are happy and fulfilled because we know that our kababayans and Austrian friends appreciate what we are sharing them – the richness of our filipino culture and heritage,” said Ho.

Folklorico Filipino in Austria has been involved with the social and cultural affairs of many Filipino organizations and the Austrian government.

The group maintains that their commitment to promote the Filipino identity in Austria and in neighbouring European countries remains unchanged.