Tinikling

Brittany has performed at a professional level with Filipiniana Dancers and shared her experience in college, where she was actively involved in the NIU’s Philippine Student Association’s Kilusan cultural dance group. As a Miss Asia pageant winner who showcased her dance talent on stage, she understands the power of performance and self-expression, inspiring young dancers to embrace their unique abilities and shine.  Outside of dance, Brittany works as a nurse clinical reviewer and is a mom who is eager to pass down her love for dance and Filipino heritage to the next generation.

Indigo Field is a textiles and fashion student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a child, she was involved with traditional dances through her local Simbang Gabi. In high school, she became President of her school’s Pan Asian Leadership, fundraising and organizing community events while incorporating filipino traditional dance. As a part of Filipino School Chicago, she aims to continue learning more about her culture, while sharing traditional dances with younger students.

Stephanie began Philippine folk-dancing at the age of 12, performing at her church’s Simbang Gabi. She then went on to become a member of the Filipiniana Dancers, with whom she performed in various productions, events, and competitions throughout the Chicagoland area. She was heavily involved in her high school’s Filipino Club and became cultural co-coordinator of UIC’s Filipinos in Alliance, continuing to choreograph and teach various dances to her peers. Stephanie is thrilled for this opportunity to once again teach, this time to the broader Filipino youth community, and hopes to inspire them to continue passing on our vibrant culture through dance.

Donna started performing with the Filipiniana Dancers in 2005, where she was able to perform at multiple events throughout the Chicagoland area. Her passion and experience for dance grew as she performed at special events and competed in Battle of the Bamboo. In college, she choreographed and taught as a co-coordinator of FIA Cultural. She grew closer to her Filipino culture, and had fun expressing it through dance. Donna is excited to teach folk dancing to today’s youth, in hopes they will also love learning about their culture through the art of dance.

Cristina has a drive for working with young people and helping them find their voice. As a high school educator in special education, she works to create an inclusive environment in her school community including sponsoring the AAPI club at her school. Her love for dance came from 15 years of classical ballet training. At Saint Louis University, she became passionate about cultural dance as she served on the executive board for the Filipino Student Association and participated in Battle of the Bamboo competitions. As a mom and someone who values community and her Filipino American identity, she is thrilled to join the FSC team to foster connection through the art of dance.

Isa has been dancing for over 6 years, exploring various Filipino cultural dances while developing a strong passion for performing, storytelling, research, and the arts. She was involved with Isang Hakbang in high school and led PSA Barkada as its Co-Cultural Chair in 2023-2024, performing at UIUC’s FACT Conference and Battle of the Bamboo. She also enjoys teaching Bulaklakan and Maglalatik at the Rizal Center. Isa is currently a senior majoring in Asian American Studies at UIUC and is incredibly excited to work with the Filipino School of Chicago to use our history and heritage for growth and empowerment. She loves using dance as a dynamic form of connecting with Filipinx culture, and hopes that each move and each step will bring our community closer together.

Stacy has over 25 years of experience in Filipino folk dancing. Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, she performed with the Filipiniana Dancers in her youth. Stacy taught cultural dance in high school and college at Saint Louis University, Filipino Student Association and participated in Battle of the Bamboo. Stacy dedicates her professional life as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker supporting older adults and their family caregivers. As a new mother and second-generation Filipina, she is excited about fostering intergenerational learning and sharing Filipino dance traditions.

Jen learned Filipino folk dances through her high school’s Asian American Club and eventually choreographed them for school events. She simultaneously created the school’s first swing dance club. Her love for dance continued in college when she joined UIC’s Filipinos in Alliance and performed at UIUC’s FACT Conference while also teaching swing dance at the University of Chicago. Jen has worked with children through after school programming, taught yoga to U.S. military communities, and worked in the museum field. She hopes to share her love for movement to younger generations and inspire them to learn more about their cultural heritage.