The Sandiego Dance Troupe has been very much in the
limelight during the "Sinulog"
(Dance Celebration in honor of Sto Niño) Day Street dancing.
The Sandiego Dance Studio started in 1947 with a
dance recital at the Mancao residence in Carcar. In 1948-49, the studio
was moved to Junquera street
in Cebu City and in 1950-51, moved again, this time to Sikatuna.
It has a permanent home in 24 Kamuning street in 1952.
Started by Luz Mancao Sandiego, the studio has
filled a need in the city - where development of poise and grace and the
finer things in life was introduced to the young.
In 1982, it had its annual dance recital. Then in
1982, Mrs. Sandiego migrated to the United States then Sara (the fourth
child) took over and developed a dance troupe with a repertoire of folk
dances. Sara then migrated to the United States in 1984, then Val (Luz's
seventh child) took over.
The name, "Sandiego Dance Studio" was best
established by the city in 1983 and the Perlas Award for arts and culture
in 1987. Through the years, the dance studio has created a name for itself
as one with a troupe that can be counted on for the various needs of the
community. It has performed and had won in the 1996 and 1997 "Sinulog"
street dancing for best in choreography and best in costume in the Sinulog-based
category.
Val and his wife Ofelia Zozobrado continues the
tradition of enriching the cultural fabric here in Cebu. Mrs. Sandiego and
Sara fills the choreography requirements of various Fil-American
organizations in Virginia-Washington D.C. where they are based.