2023 Project Award

Parker will deepen her knowledge and understanding of the major Filipino dance forms by training with Kayamanan ng Lahi, a Filipino folk dance and arts organization based in Los Angeles. She will learn the appropriate use of musical instruments, movements, costumes, props and performance staging for dance styles representing each of the five regions within the 7,000-island country.

As a first-generation immigrant and long-time resident of Ketchikan, Parker has experienced the struggle of accepting her Filipino identity and cultural heritage while still yearning for acceptance by non-Filipinos. She uses the art of folk dance and music to create connections between Filipino elders and young people and already is familiar with two of the styles.  Parker hopes to revitalize a once-vibrant and prominent local cultural dance group of performers in Ketchikan to amplify multicultural influences and create a positive sense of belonging. 

Parker is active in Ketchikan’s dance community as the head coach of the Ketchikan High School Dance Team as well as being head instructor/owner of studioMAX, a local dance and fitness studio.  By adding Filipino Folk Dance instruction to her repertoire, she will further diversify her training thus allowing more students to have a variety of dance opportunities within her community.