ALICE REYES
National Artists for Dance
A pioneering figure in Philippine dance, renowned for her transformative work as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and director. Her career began with classical ballet training under Rosalia Merino Santos and later expanded into folk dance with the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company, as well as modern dance in the United States.
Reyes developed a uniquely Filipino modern dance style by blending indigenous movements with modern and classical forms. Her groundbreaking works include Amada, Itim-Asu, Tales of the Manuvu, Rama, Hari, and Bayanihan Remembered. In 1970, she popularized modern dance in the country with a historic performance at the CCP Main Theater. Her commitment to nurturing dancers and audiences through outreach programs has left a lasting legacy on Philippine dance.