IN THE BEGINNING
Elsie Yelo-Enriquez founded the La Salle College Dance Troupe in 1973.
A few years later, Marivic Misa-Fontanilla took over from her, ‘jazzed up’ the troupe’s mainly folk dance repertoire which led to the birth of the Kariktan Dance Ensemble (KDE).
Ably following her mentor, Gloria Torres-De Oca took charge of KDE until June 1999 when Rene Hinojales, the present Artistic Director/Moderator, renamed the ensemble Jean-Baptisté Dance Company (JBDC) in honor of St. John Baptist De La Salle.
In 2012, Baldo Defensor ably took over the helm of the Company maintaining its course so that today, the JBDC is known for its wide variety of dance styles and techniques ranging from classical to modern, ballroom to folk, and hip-hop to jazz.
THE COMPANY AIMS TO
- Present dance about humanity that is clear, to the point, daring and universal – not afraid of subject matter. Dance that should educate and transform the audience.
- Provide audiences of all ages with fresh, innovative, accessible, and exciting dance performances.
