THE VISAYAS State University Dance Company was one of the recipients of the Meritorious Performance Award given by the National Committee on Dance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The award recognized persons and institutions for their involvement in the continued dance creation and performance serving as an inspiration and making contributions in the building of an innovative, resilient dynamic Philippine dance community.

Joven Aberilla, VSU Institute of Human Kinetics faculty member and concurrent chairperson of the Performing Arts Section of the VSU Culture and the Arts Center, received the plaque of recognition on behalf of the university last June 27.

Aberilla’s contribution to the enrichment of the local dance community in Leyte was also recognized, particularly his persistence “to develop innovative ways to teach and perform cultural dances despite the pandemic.”

VSU said Aberilla has been instrumental in leading and choreographing major dance performances for more than a decade now.

The IHK faculty has also coached and mentored many students who brought in national and regional championships in reputable dance sports competitions in the country.

Through Aberilla’s leadership, the VSU Dance Company participated in the second episode of the Dance Xchange on Air that happened last March 27, 2022.

Dance Xchange: The Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival is a project of the NCCA-NCD that aims to provide Filipinos from the dance community with an opportunity to showcase their different dance genres, the school said.

In a Facebook post, Aberilla thanked NCCA-NCD and the university administration for their support in the development of a vibrant performing arts group at VSU.

“As a #ProudViscan and a performance artist, I have always been grateful to be nurtured and be self-grown here at VSU. And our university has provided a conducive environment for us to develop our skills and we continue to do this important work by mentoring young people who have a passion for dances,” he said.