The Philippine American Society practice their Filipino Line Dance

By Gabriel Acevedo

  For the Filipino students who go to the College of Staten Island, “Sayaw” might be a familiar word that brings them back home. And “Sayaw”, dance in Filipino, is exactly what the Philippine American Society did.

         On February 27th, the Philippine American Society of CSI, PAS, hosted their line dance and pizza party in 1s-219. Members were greeted with food, music, and dance moves from Philippine culture. 

       “Line dancing is a type of dance that’s very popular in Filipino parties,” says Josh Tyler “JT”, president and founder of CSI PAS. “It’s a very popular tradition, and it’s a simple 3-step, 4-step move.” According to JT, “it is definitely a Filo party when the titos and titas are line dancing in the middle of the party.”

         Line Dancing is a common party tradition for Filipino parties, especially for the diaspora outside of the Philippines. Popular Filipino songs that are used for line dancing might seem familiar to non Filipinos, such as Earth Wind and Fire’s September, and the ever famous Cha Cha Slide. 

        For this meeting, the club was practicing the dance to the latter, as well as Mexican singer Daniela Romo’s Todo Todo Todo. After all, the captain did say the members had to dance and work hard to get the pizza, provided by CSI. 

       The Philippine American Society was happy for the turnout to the event, as it helps with their goal to connect Filipinos on campus and educate them about the culture and traditions. The club is now planning their next event, Baybayin writing and drinks on March 14, in room 1S-219.