By Angel Villafuerte

TWH is very proud of the performing arts by PWDs! The NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) assisted TWH last year for the project, Enhancement of Arts Program for PWDs which included the creation of cultural wheelchair dance and our choral group singing our OPM masterpieces.

Project components included extensive dance and choral workshops as well as equipment and costumes for our performers. Beneficiaries were 10 dancers and 15 participants of choral group excluding volunteers and outside talents. For the TWH wheelchair dance, the workshop was conducted by dance trainer Ms. Joie Tagorda who made choreographies for Subli, Maglalatik and production number with mixed dances. The cultural wheelchair dance was made through a combination of folk and contemporary dances also blended with modern steps especially of dancesport and ballroom dancing. This was a challenge to the dancers especially those in wheelchairs as they highlighted the Filipino spirit and culture. Included in the cultural wheelchair dance were the props/materials and gaiety joined altogether signifying Filipino culture during the celebration of festivities. For the TWH choral group, the workshop was conducted by Mr. Angelito “Jojo” Canzana, consultant and former professor of the University of the Philippines, Conservatory of Music.

Among the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) he mentored for our choral group were classic Kundiman songs and popular nostalgic Christmas songs. The workshops challenged our artists-performers to give out their best and express themselves through dance and music in exceptional performances defying their physical disabilities.

Their highlighted performances were included during the celebration of the 44^th founding anniversary of TWH at the art exhibit held at the IL Centro, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta Rizal last February 20, 2017 as well as the foundation day of TWH in its compound last February 21, 2017. TWH artists performers were also the special guest performers during the celebration of the Women’s Month at the Philippine Arena last March 28, 2017, invited by the NCDA (National Council on Disability Affairs). TWH is open for invitations for the inspiring and awesome performances of our performing artists through the wheelchair dance and choral group for special gatherings and celebrations.