4 FilAm Classical Dancers That Show Up and Out
Whether it’s singing or dancing, Filipinos are known to many for their performing skills. Through the years, in the world of dance, we have seen a gradual rise in the number of Filipino Americans taking over the scene- but not just hip hop, classical and ballroom as well. With this, we’ve put together a list of some of the many dancers raising our flag and making their mark on the big stages.
1. Stella Abrera
Stella started pursuing her passion for dancing ballet at the age of 5. In 1996, she joined the American Ballet Theatre’s corps de ballet after taking home the gold medal at the Adeline Genée Awards. Five years later (in 2001), she was promoted to soloist and fourteen years after that, she was named Principal Dancer (in 2015). Throughout her career, she traveled the world to play leading and title roles in a number of prestigious shows. Her portfolio consists of leading roles in Onegin and The Sleeping Beauty and title roles in Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, and Giselle. With 24 years of experience under her belt, she decided to retire in June of 2020. Stella now empowers the next generation of dancers in hopes of seeing them take on bright careers just like hers.
Follow her at www.instagram.com/stellaabreradetsky to stay up to date with her!
2. Jeffrey Cirio
Jeffrey’s career has been fruitful from the start. He is one of the most decorated Filipino American ballet dancers, winning medals on all levels through prestigious competitions. He made history as the first American to be awarded a gold metal at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. Of the many other awards he has won, some of the more notable ones include a gold medal at the New York finals of Youth America Grand Prix, a coveted Prince Grace Fellowship, a bronze medal at the U.S. International Ballet Competition, the Senior Grand Prix Award, and a gold medal at the World Ballet Competition in 2009. Jeffrey has played roles in Cinderella, Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet, and The Sleeping Beauty, to name a few. From creating roles to pushing boundaries for existing ones, there is no doubt that Jeffrey has made his mark.
Follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jeffreycirio!
3. Angelica Generosa
At the sweet age of four years old, Angelica dove into the scene and started immersing herself in the world of dance. She was invited to be a full-time student at the School of American ballet. When Angelica was only 15 years old, she beautifully executed the role of Liberty Bell in Stars and Stripes. With only just about two weeks of rehearsal, she stepped up to replace a classmate who had gotten injured. Angelica’s performance was praised by everyone in attendance and recognized by The New York Times. Throughout her career, she created a role in Waiting at the Station, played lead roles in The Sleeping Beauty, Jewels, and Tarantella. Despite the pandemic hitting in 2020, Angelica kept her spirits alive and danced in Swans for Relief, raising funds for relief goods and participating dancers’ companies. Her hard work paid off immensely as she was promoted to principal dancer not too long after.
Follow her journey at www.instagram.com/angenerosa!
4. Cheryl Burke
If you’re an avid fan of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars like us, you are bound to have watched Cheryl Burke on your screens more than once in your life. Throughout her 26 seasons on the show, this powerful Pinay made history as the first female professional to win the show. In addition to this, Cheryl is recognized as the first professional to win twice and consecutively! Her celebrity partners consist of Drew Lachey, Emmitt Smith, Rob Kardashian, Drew Carey, Jack Osbourne, and so many others. Outside of the show, Cheryl has been seen on shows like NBC’s I Can do That, where she was awarded 2nd place and Dance Moms, where she replaced Abby Lee Miller. Beyond the show, she has released an autobiography “Dancing Lessons: How I Found Passion and Potential on the Dance Floor and in Life”, opened a dance studio and created a line of activewear. There is no stopping this powerful Pinay.
Follow her for the latest and greatest at www.instagram.com/cherylburke!
Written By Nico Belasco
Photographer, Writer, Speaker, Podcast Host, Creative
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