Pasayawa Ko Day: Life Journeys through Dance 'Pasayawa ko Day' is Visayan for 'May I dance with you, Miss', or literally, 'May I dance, Miss'. The phrase captures the significance of dance in our life's journeys. For dance
beyond its being a form of artistic expression, can be a vehicle for courtship, praise or an affirmation of individual and cultural identity. Banagbanag, an association of Visayan-speaking residents of NSW, chose to highlight the centrality of dance in our lives and journeys for the Association's 29th Anniversary. In ancient times the English term for dance was 'sealtian', in turn derived from Latin 'saltare' meaning 'to leap'. This might as well be as into the very concept of dance is the element of energy, and its varicoloured expressions! In ancient Asia, the Lord of the Dance is said to be the the source of all movement in the universe - the cosmic dance of the Nataraja. The true Dance of the spirit supposedly frees us from life's pains and illusions. On Banagbanag's 29th gala night celebratio0n, three facets of dance will be highlighted: That of dance as an expression of 1. Romance, 2. Cultural Identity and 3. Creativity, for dance is indeed language of lovers, of cultural connections and a way to have fun. Songs, dances, a 3-course meal and lots of interactive times await. See you there!