Anahaw brings Philippine folk dance to Surrey Fusion Festival

The Vancouver-based troupe will present a showcase of traditional Filipino dances, from the famous bamboo dance tinikling to a Muslim dance from the Mindanao region

Surrey Fusion Fest When: July 18-19 Where: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey Info: surreyfusionfestival.ca Bamboo poles clap together as dancers dart between them, their footwork timed to the beat. It’s one of the signature moments

audiences can expect when Anahaw Filipino Canadian Performing Arts Society of B.C. takes the stage at Surrey Fusion Festival. The Vancouver-based troupe will present a 20-minute showcase of traditional Filipino dances from across the archipelago, from the famous bamboo dance tinikling to a Muslim dance from the Mindanao region and selections from the Maria Clara Suite. “Filipino cultural dance — our traditional folk, tribal and ethnic dances — is very vibrant, colourful and unique,” Anahaw founder Malou Imis said.

“They’re really storytelling dances. Many of them show how people lived in the Philippines in earlier times. Some celebrate festivals or fiestas, some imitate birds or other animals, and others depict farming, harvesting or everyday life.”

Tinikling, for example, is based on the movements of a bird, the tikling, as it walks between grass stems and evades bamboo traps. “Every region of the Philippines has its own traditions, and those dances have become celebrations that we continue to perform today, even here in Canada.” Born and raised in the Philippines, Imus started dancing at 12.

She lived and worked in Kuwait for two years and Hong Kong for five before moving to Vancouver 13 years ago. “I already had my own dance group in the Philippines, and later I choreographed performances involving more than 100 students. Festival performances and large productions have always been my specialty.

I’m into large groups.” Imis founded Anahaw Filipino Canadian Performing Arts Society in B.C. in July 2025. Before that, she was a director in another Filipino organization.

“But I wanted to create my own performing arts society with a specific focus on Filipino cultural dance.” Anahaw now has more than 40 members. “It’s a mix of children, youth, adults and seniors.

Our dancers range from three years old to about 65, and sometimes even older.” Some of the youngest dancers perform the technically challenging tinikling. Imus uses mostly traditional music, sometimes combined “with contemporary Filipino elements.

It depends on the concept of the event, but I always want to showcase our colourful costumes and our different cultural traditions.” The troupe is named after the anahaw leaf, which is considered a national symbol of strength and resilience. “When I was young and performing as a ballet dancer, we often used anahaw leaves as props during festival parades.

When I started this organization, I wanted that symbol in its name because it represents our members and our journey — from very humble beginnings to where we are today.” Imus hopes that Fusion-goers who catch Anahaw’s performance “see that Filipino dance tells the story of who we are. It shows that Filipinos are resilient, courageous, artistic and creative.

Our culture is colourful and vibrant. I also hope they see that Filipinos are known for our hospitality, our food and the way we support one another in our communities.” Anahaw performs on Day 2 of Surrey Fusion Festival.

The event is hosting dozens of musical acts, including local rock band 54•40, Punjabi pop artist Kulwinder Billa, pop duo FIONN, and Punjabi-Canadian group The Folk Turbanators. The festival also hosts more than 50 cultural pavilions. Related These are B.C.'s 15 best summer music festivals in 2026 New underground music festival sails into North Vancouver this fall: What you need to know