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ABOUT US

HISTORY

In May of 1992, San Francisco students and teachers came together to form a group that celebrates Philippine culture and tradition. From this group, LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble was born and founded by Artistic Director, Rudi Soriano. Since the very first presentation at San Francisco State University's McKenna Theatre, the mission of LIKHA, which means "creation" in Tagalog, is to collect and preserve indigenous Philippine art forms as expressed in music, literature, dance, arts, crafts, and attire. 

This mission is realized through research, education, performance, collecting and curating, community outreach, and youth development.

Likha Batch 2
LIKHA - 1992
HISTORY

FOUNDER, RUDI SORIANO

LIKHA's founder has an extensive background and expertise in traditional Pilipino movement. A former soloist with the renowned Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company in Manila, Rudi also trained with Alice Reyes Cultural Center of the Philippines Dance Company.

In Paris, Rudi studied under Lianne Dayde of Paris Opera Ballet and trained with Rosella Hightower's modern dance company in Cannes, France. Rudi choreographed Budong, Peace Pact for the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Dance Company in 1993, as well as dance pieces for San Francisco State University's Pilipino American Collegiate Endeavor (PACE), UC Berkeley's Pilipino American Association (PAA), and UC Santa Cruz's Filipino Student Association (FSA).

In 2001, Rudi was honored with the Pilipino community's Pamana Award for Folk Dance Arts Education. In 2007 he was awarded an outstanding choreographer award by World Arts West, the organizers of the acclaimed San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. In 2018, Rudi was nominated an Insadora Duncan award for "Outstanding Achievement in Choreography" for his original piece, Birds in Flight. In 2019, Rudi received the Malonga Casquelourd Lifetime Achievement Award from World Arts West.

Rudi Soriano
Rudi Soriano
FOUNDER, RUDI C. SORIANO

FULL PRODUCTIONS

With LIKHA's vast archive of research, and through the wealth of knowledge and experience from our founder, Rudi Soriano, we translate our findings into original theatrical concepts for the stage. LIKHA has been fortunate enough to develop numerous full-length works over the years and present them on stages across San Francisco.

Glimpses of Philippine Culture - 1992

Glimpses of

Philippine Culture

1992

Rituals and Traditions - 1997

Rituals and Traditions

1997

Alamat - 2003

Alamat

2003

Saludo - 2012

Saludo

2012

Indarapatra - 1993

Indarapatra

1993

Bayan Ko - 1998

Bayan Ko

1998

Lakbay Indak Awit - 2004

Lakbay Indak Awit

2004

Saling Lahi - 2014

Saling Lahi

2014

Pamana - 1994

Pamana

1994

Sayaw Pilipino - 1999

Sayaw Pilipino

1999

Parangal - 2006

Parangal

2006

Karangalan - 2017

Karangalan

2017

Anyo - 1995

Anyo

1995

Pintig - 2001

Pintig

2001

Pasasalamat - 2007

Pasasalamat

2007

A Glimpse of Philippine Culture - 1996

A Glimpse of Philippine Culture

1996

Dekada - 2002

Dekada

2002

Ritwal - 2010

Ritwal

2010

2019 Kaisahan Unidad.png

Kaisahan Unidad

2019

FULL PRODUCTIONS
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