Dance troupe creates "Southeast Asian Art and Culture Exchange" to promote the integration of new immigrants and migrant workers into Taiwanese society

Taiwan’s ethnic groups have gradually diversified. People from different countries have lived on this treasure island for a long time. To increase the art and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries, the BB Dance Troupe in Kaohsiung assists new immigrants and migrant workers in promoting the culture of their home countries. The members of the dance troupe are mainly from the Philippines because they are proficient in English, followed by Thailand, who mostly perform in restaurants. After the epidemic, the dance troupe will coordinate with the National Immigration Agency, the Ministry of Labor, and foreign affairs etc., for related activities that require cooperation with Southeast Asian art and cultural organizations to plan and perform in the future.

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The BB Dance Troupe promotes the integration of new immigrants and migrant workers into Taiwanese society. Photo/Provided by BB Dance Company

Hazelyn Reyes Bautista, spokesperson of BB Dance Troupe, said that the original intention was to change the performances of foreign dancers, so they adopted monthly short dramas, combining movies, cartoons, current affairs, and other topics to create musical stage plays. So, the viewers can have a sense of freshness with increased interaction and integrate current affairs issues. This way, foreign migrant workers can have a more relaxed life and like Taiwan more. Only by releasing the stress and resolving homesickness can we stably work and develop in Taiwan.

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The operator and dancers of the dance troupe are all Southeast Asians. Photo/Provided by BB Dance Troupe

In addition, after the establishment of the dance troupe, the idea is to have arts and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries, so that Southeast Asian culture can be integrated into Taiwan. Especially in the southern region, there are no places for migrant workers to watch performances and listen to music. They can only go shopping, chat, and exercise. Therefore, more attention is needed in the cultural aspect. The dance troupe is also the only group in southern Taiwan that can take care of the foreign workers spiritually. The  operator and dancers are all Southeast Asians, treating everyone warmly as friends, and help release their mental and physical stress.