Now I understand; it’s not just dance…

By Herdy La. Yumul

It’s about the propsman who does his school assignments at the practice venue during breaks.

It’s about the mother who prays that her child, who is out for practice ‘til the break of dawn, is healthy and safe.

It’s about choreographers, musicians, technicians, fashion designers, set designers, and other kindred souls squeezing and offering every bit of their creativity.

It’s about the boyfriend who supports his girlfriend who takes part in it, though it means less time for them together.

It’s about full-time workers by day who labor, all for the love of art and their locality, at night and during weekends.

It’s about new friendships gained because of collaboration or, in a few instances, lost due to differences.

It's about government acknowledging that our artistic and cultural heritage is just as important as (overpriced) infrastructure projects because artists build bridges of peace and highways of understanding.

It’s about that teenage girl who used to lack self-confidence, but who is determined to perform before tens of thousands.

It's about forgetting how much you sacrificed and the difficulties you had to go through when you hear the generous applause of an appreciative crowd.

It’s about winning, but, more importantly, about having fun.

Ultimately, it’s about immense pride in being Ilocano... a celebration of our people's truthful stories of greatness.

Yes, it’s not just dance.

It’s the 2014 Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals.

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