CPO hires new artistic director

CPO hires new artistic director

Flordeliza Punzalan

The Board of Directors of Culture Philippines of Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Flordeliza Punzalan as our new Artistic Director.  She brings to our organization vast experience and knowledge in the field of contemporary and traditional Philippine cultural dance and choreography.

Liza started her dance artistry at the age of 12 when she won a scholarship to attend the Philippine High School for the Arts, a sanctuary and haven for young aspiring Filipino artists located atop Mount Makiling, as a major in Folk Dance and minor in both ballet and modern dance. She received her Diploma in Creative Performing Musical Arts in1996 and Bachelor of Music degree in 2003 both majoring in dance from the University of the Philippines.   She had been a member of UP Filipiniana Dance Group directed by Professor Corazon Inigo. As a principal and soloist member of UP Filipiniana, she performed in many international festivals sponsored by CIOFF including a tour of Japan, Europe and a final tour in Macau, China in 2002.

Upon her graduation in 1996, she was appointed the Associate Artistic Director and resident choreographer for the University of the Philippines Dance Company by a dance critic and Professor Steve Villaruz, where she also performed as a principal dancer. In the course of her studies and directorship, Liza had received scholarships, grants and awards such as “GAWAD” Chancellors award for her choreography.  She further expanded her knowledge base in dance by completing the summer dance school certificate program  (1996) and attending extended professional dance seminars (2000 & 2002) at the world famous American Dance Festival (ADF) at Duke University.  It was at ADF where she had the privilege of working closely and mentoring under multi-Tony Award Nominee, Professor Donald Mckayle.  Her unique skill set in dance led her to be invited and to conduct many workshops and lectures around the Philippines and at the Beijing Dance Academy in China.

Liza immigrated and married in Canada in 2002 and is a mother to two daughters.  She recently created her own children’s program teaching creative movement, music appreciation and ballet from 2007 to 2009.  A current member of Dance Ontario and the Mississauga Arts Council, Liza currently works as a teacher, choreographer and independent dance artist who has conducted workshops and lectures on Philippine traditional and ethnic dances at York University, Toronto and had adjudicated various dance competitions within the GTA.

Culture Philippines of Ontario (CPO), established in 1985, is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to promote Philippine culture through music and dance.  To join CPO, please call 905-542-8747 or visit our website at www.culturephilippines.ca

(PRESS RELEASE)