Cristina Rivera, a Filipina who migrated to Seattle, Washington from the Philippines in the early 1980s, is one such community leader. A dedicated kababayan, Cristina has kept Philippine culture alive by dedicating her time and passion directing a Seattle-based dance troupe called KULTURA. Established in 1994, KULTURA is Rivera’s venue for giving back and sharing with her community aspects of Filipino culture which she feels she needs to pass on to the youth and citizens of America today.

Rivera’s interest in folk dancing took root in grade school when it was part of the elementary and high school curriculum, a bit like what Physical Education is today. In college she was asked to be part of a dance troupe. However much she enjoyed performing, it was not easy for her because she had to make financial sacrifices to keep her place in the troupe and to stay in school. Her family was supportive all the way, even if they too had to make sacrifices to keep the young Cristina involved in her extracurriculars. Soon, she herself found a way to help with her family’s financial needs

Once settled in America, Rivera found herself becoming more deeply involved in community activities. Founding KULTURA fit her need for active engagement within her new community in the States and indulging in her passion for folk dance.

When asked what compelled her to teach folk dancing. Rivera replied, “The children. They have the Filipino skin, the eyes, the build and the family, but the rest of them is all American. Their ways, their upbringing, (are American) and most of them, their birth places (are in America).” Nievertheless, she is happy that “they are excited to learn a little bit of our culture through dance.” And Rivera built on this enthusiasm to give these children the cultural balance lacking in most Filipino-American children born and brought up in the U.S.

Rivera’s KULTURA has involved kids from the Seattle community. Ranging in ages from 4 to 17 years old, many of these children come from families who attend the parish and/or school of St. Matthew, located in North Seattle. Currently Rivera has 38 dancers but in all her years instructing KULTURA, she has taught folk dancing to about 115 children.

Rivera enjoys the sense of accomplishment when she sees kids under her tutelage dancing and performing in front of hundreds of people. “That is so uplifting, when I see the smiles on their parents faces and see how proud they are that their kids are showing our community their Filipino side.,” she gushes.

Children learn dances from different parts of the Philippines – from the Pandanggo sa Ilaw from Lubang Island, Mindoro to Spanish-influenced dances like La Jota Moncadeña. They have performed in community events around the Seattle area.

“All the hard work, the stress, the long hours of practice have paid off throughout all these years of giving to the community,” Rivera said. It has not only made her dream come true with KULTURA, she has also given the communities in Seattle the gift of a living cultural heritage.