MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDING DIRECTOR

My love for dancing and ballet began when I was just two years old. I would often dance before the mirror, twirling like a trumpo, a spinning toy, filled with innocent joy and wonder. 

Without any formal training yet, my first experience in dance came under Sister Edna de Jesus, SPC, a Physical Education teacher and dance instructor at San Nicolas College, Surigao City, where I studied from kindergarten through elementary.

Sister Edna was a smiling nun with lovely dimples — graceful, artistic, yet very strict in her dance and drama coaching. I remember my role dancing ballet as a child fairy in a school operetta. On the night of the performance, I had a fever, but Sister Edna, knowing my determination, visited our home and assured my parents that I would be well once I began to dance. 

True enough, the moment I stepped on stage, I felt renewed strength, joy, and peace — my fever vanished! My parents, seated in the front row, were amazed. From then on, they believed that dancing was not just my passion, but my healing gift from God.

My love for ballet deepened during my high school years, though there was no formal ballet school in Surigao at that time. When I went to college at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, I joined the University Choristers and Dance Troupe, where I received intensive training in music and dance performance.

Later, while working in Cebu, I had the opportunity to study formal ballet training at formerly Cebu Normal College, now Cebu Normal University (CNU) under the tutorship Rey Umayan, a member of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Dance Company.

When I returned to my hometown in Surigao, a great inspiration filled my heart — the desire to teach ballet.  In April 1975,

 I founded Artistique Ballet Centre, the first and only ballet school in Surigao City at that time.

At first, I taught in our family home in Narciso Street, then later moved to my Aunt’s residence in Amat Street through the encouragement of my loving Aunt, Mrs. Alfreda Casurra Avis (fondly called “Mama Pedang”), who supported my dream wholeheartedly.

With no proper barres or mirrors, I used chairs and hollow block walls by the porch — but that didn’t stop me. Soon, many students enrolled, drawn by passion more than perfection.

In 1976, I married my first husband, the late Rey Valleser, whose love and support strengthened my passion for ballet. The ground floor of our new home became my dance studio, where I joyfully pursued the dream God placed in my heart.

My loving parents, and great supporters, Daddy Leon and Mama Fate, gifted me with standing steel barres, allowing my students to advance in their training. Enrollment grew rapidly, leading me to move to a larger space at the Ensomo Building, located along Borromeo and Amat Street, fronting the old Post Office Building.

By 1978, with over a hundred students of all ages, Artistique Ballet Centre held its first grand recital entitled “Revelation.” The concert showcased a repertoire of my creative choreography to modern and classical ballet pieces including excerpts from Coppélia, Romeo and Juliet, and The Nutcracker Suite. It was a historic success — the culmination of my love and passion for ballet.

Later, life took another turn. When my husband was assigned in Cagayan de Oro to Manila, I had to close the school and relocate. With a heavy heart, I left Surigao, but God had new plans. Through the encouragement of my Aunt Rose Consing, I opened De La Rose Ballet School at Virra Mall, Greenhills, San Juan City. The school grew quickly, but I had to pause due to my pregnancy.

Then came the most transformative chapter of my life — our encounter with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in 1979. 

It was here that I experienced the power of the Holy Spirit and a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Without the Lord, my life would never be the same.

During a retreat in Baguio, I met Faith Smith, an anointed American missionary, who prayed over me and gave a prophecy: “You are a ballet dancer, and the Lord wants you to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ through the art of dance and drama” I was deeply moved — she had no idea I was a ballet teacher. That divine message changed everything.

In 1983, I was privileged to undergo Theatre Arts trainings and workshops at the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA), under the tutelage of the late renowned film director Lino Brocka, Manuel Pambid, and my mentors Soxy Topacio, Kryss Adalia, and Ellen Ongkeko. These intensive trainings provided me with deep knowledge and experience in drama and acting, shaping both my skills and my heart for the arts.

In March 1985, we permanently resided in the United States, but the vision and calling remained alive in my heart. With the support of a generous ministry member, the late Monette Lenox, opened a dance studio for me at our ministry place, the Servants of the Good Shepherd Center at Beryessa, San Jose, California where I taught “Praisercize” a dance to praise the Lord! And offered Summer Drama Workshops to the Youth in our ministry.

Inspired by the transformative power of performance, I felt called to share these gifts in ministry. The Lord has used me powerfully to guide and preach to the youth through liturgical dance and drama, demonstrating how these art forms can become powerful tools for evangelization. What began as a journey of personal growth in theatre and ballet has blossomed into a ministry dedicated to nurturing both the artistic talents and spiritual lives of young people, helping them shine with the light of Christ through movement, expression, and creativity.

Since then, I have choreographed and directed many liturgical dances and musical plays such as The Our Father, Penitent Woman, Here I Am, Lord, In Him we Move and Live, The Power of Love, The Hail Mary, Consider Yourself, The Seed of Life, The Prayer, One Night with the King, and many more.

Through dance and drama, I’ve shared the Gospel in the conferences and conventions in the Philippines, the United States, and Canada. The Lord called me not only to proclaim His Word, but also to train and empower others — youth, young adults, professionals — to glorify Him through sacred movement and expression.

Today, through the inspiration of my beloved husband Val Kiamco, and the enduring grace of God, the dream continues — now as Leoni Fae Christian Ballet Theatre Arts. (LFCBTA)  A ministry dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel through the beauty of ballet and drama, awakening the soul, and glorifying God through the art of dance. We look forward to inspiring generations, nurturing creativity, and awakening the hearts of the people of Surigao and beyond — to love both God and the arts.

To Him be all glory, honor, and praise!