MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Filipino dancers and choreographers respond to the changing times through “Dance On!,” the culminating performances of the CCP Professional Dance Support Program. Amid the challenging situation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cultural Center of the Philippines initiated a special program to support the professional dance industry in the country.
Under the mentorship of National Artist Alice Reyes, dance masters Alden Lugnasin and Nonoy Froilan, the select choreographers and dancers are able to produce works that encourage the development of Philippine dance, develop an appreciation of international and Filipino classics, and expand Filipino dance culture to wider audiences.
Every week until December 5, a series of dance performances will premiere live online on the CCP Facebook and YouTube Channel, featuring never-before-seen works and re-imagined classics, which have been staged and shot specifically for the enjoyment of digital viewing. The dance videos will remain posted on CCP Online YouTube Channel after their live premieres.
Featuring the talent and artistry of Filipino choreographers and Artists of the CCP Professional Dance Support Program composed of Artists of the CCP Dance Workshop and Artists courtesy of Ballet Manila and Philippine Ballet Theater as well as Regional Dance Artists, the program showcases not only classical ballet but a myriad of dance styles executed with equal excellence.
Premiering on October 31, in “Light, at the end of,” choreographer Patrick John Rebullida explores what it means to value each part of the life cycle in equanimity. With music by Jose Buencamino, dancers John Ababon, Luigie Barrera, Justine Orande, Erl Sorilla, Sarah Alejandro, Stephanie Santiago, Jessa Tangalin, Regine Magbitang, and Nicole Barroso show through movement that all the pain, suffering, and death are but part of an evolution.
The back-to-back premiere of “Inlababo” and “In the Midst Of Overcoming” will be on November 7.
With the music of Eddie Peregrina and the choreography by John Ababon, dancer Erl Sorilla tells the story of pure young love, the pain that love brings, and how we are able to find a reason to go on when love is no more in “Inlababo.”
Choreographer John Ababon’s “In the Midst Of Overcoming” assures audiences that there will always be someone there to guide us through the dark times. Ababon paralleled Alexandre Desplat’s intricate musical dynamics to the “ups and downs of life.” This became the inspiration for the beautiful movements of his choreographic work highlighting the technique and skills in partnering of dancers Stephanie Santiago and AL Abraham.
Choreographer-dancer Roneldon Yadao brings the audience to his inner mind in “Headspace,” premiering on November 14.
Yadao often finds his head filled with unorganized thoughts. “Some linger like whispers. But some are too loud, vicious, and unrelenting. These thoughts cramp in my head creating an inner turmoil, overwhelming me, and leaving me hopeless. Such a chaotic state but, in and through it, is where I find myself.”
Choreographer Biag Gaongen explores the unconventional use of point shoes in “Re-FORM” on November 21.
Choreographed to the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s version of Dandansoy, Re-FORM is a dance on aligning and re-aligning the disjointed fragments of the body. The piece features dancers Katrene San Miguel, Sarah Alejandro, and Lester Reguindin.
Premiering on November 28, choreographer Lester Reguindin’s “Now” was inspired by the speech of young environmental activist Greta Thunberg in the UN Climate Action Summit 2019. With “Happiness Does Not Wait” by Olafur Arnalds and “Bear Story II” by Luke Howard 2018 as music backdrop, the dance shows how a young girl sees the environment and the entire human being suffer because of the ways of man. This has led her to use her voice and make a stand and speak to the world with the hope that through this, change can happen.
Dancers Jessa Tangalin, John Ababon, Earl John Arisola, Alexis Piel, Danilo Dayo, Bonifacio Guerrero, Justine Orande, Ace Polias, Monica Gana, Karla Santos, Joanne Tangalin, Gladys Baybayan, and Rissa Camaclang will perform this dance.
Choreographer JM Cabling reimagines the mind of a person who is often quiet in “I Wanna Say Something,” slated on December 5.
Dancers AL Abraham, Jessa Tangalin, Sarah Alejandro, Regina Magbitang, Stephanie Santiago, Lester Reguindin, Victor Maguad, Ace Polias, Monica Gana, Earl John Arsiola, Danilo Dayo Jr., Luigie Barrera, Rissa Camaclang, John Ababon, Karla Santos, and Kazier Policarpio tell this personal story about someone who fears speaking up in public, who is often confused with his mental debates, who is often polarized with his own arguments, ending up silent.
Featuring “Cow Song” by Meredith Monk and Collin Walcott from Monk: Our Lady of Late Album 1986 and “Pursuit” by Alexander Balanescu from II Partigiano Johnny Album 2005, the piece speaks about mustering courage. A process to take action, a call to move forward. Say it now—when it matters more than ever.
Also part of the Dance On series are Regisseur Victor Ursabia’s restaging of Le Corsaire,” featuring excerpts of the grand Pas de Trois of Conrad, Medora and Ali, the Pas De Esclave with Lankadem and Gulnara, and the corps de ballet dance of the Pirates; regisseur Eugene Obille’s re-staging of “Grand Pas de Quatre”; and choreographer Erl Emmanuel Sorilla’s “Musa.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for updates.
The CCP Professional Dance Support Program participants and staff follow strict protocols to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
