About The Performers
Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine is a critically acclaimed folk arts organization based in Los Angeles, Calif. Under the leadership of volunteer staff including directors and founders Joel Jacinto, Barbara Ele and Ave Jacinto, Kayamanan is committed to presenting, promoting and preserving the richness and diversity of Philippine culture through dance and music.
Kayamanan's artistic approach is based on anthropological research, resulting in a strong and appropriate translation between traditional folk and folkloric Philippine dance and music forms and styles - from the village to the stage. Noted for its extensive dance repertoire, costumes and music ensembles, Kayamanan has received numerous accolades including the L.A. Times' description of one of the group's concert as " ...consistently exciting and a triumph of enlightened cultural preservation." Now celebrating its 28th year, Kayamanan’s reach has grown exponentially, providing workshops and classes to hundreds of members (children, teens and adults) and performing to tens of thousands throughout California. Kayamanan has also traveled to neighboring states including Hawai’i, Washington, Nevada, Illinois, Utah and internationally including Mexico, France and Japan.
In addition to performing and holding weekly workshops, Kayamanan provides technical assistance, training and consultation, instruction and planning of innovative and culturally appropriate performances and programs in folk dance to many student and community folk dance groups across the United States. Kayamanan's many other accomplishments include being in the feature in the film "The Debut", organizing the nationwide Philippine Dance Gathering and Workshop Conferences, providing extended study courses in Philippine dance and conducting field research trips to the Philippines.
Currently, Kayamanan is part of the Music Center on Tour performing throughout the Greater L.A. area for school assemblies. Among its many collaborations, Kayamanan has performed with Danza Floricanto, Pakariguian, Bibak Dance Ensemble, Institute of Native Arts, jazz vocalist Charmaine Clamor, Mon David, Hula Halau Keali’i O Nalani Culture Shock of Los Angeles, a contemporary hip hop dance crew, Mama Bares, Anthony Fedorov, and jazz and ukulele musician Abe Lagrimas Jr., among others.