Ballet Philippines, being the oldest classical and contemporary dance company in the Philippines has the distinction of having the most number of artists who have made a name for themselves either here or abroad. Sure, other companies can claim that some of their dancers have moved to bigger companies elsewhere... Some remain and move on to other disciplines. Others get married and lead seemingly mundane lives outside of the glitzy dance world, but BP dancers tend to return and lend a helping hand to the company that molded their mettle as artists either as teachers or choreographers or staff.
The best proof of a company's achievements is when the company and/or its artists are recognized by its peers. The Philippine Legitimate Stage Artists Group, Inc. (Philstage) has often awarded the company and its dancers for its outstanding performances through Gawad Buhay. Established in 2008, the award- giving body is composed of a jury of 16 independent members who has the enviable task of giving out 40 trophies across 23 categories.
In March of this year, Gawad Buhay cited Ballet Philippines for its production of Rama Hari.
In March of this year, Gawad Buhay cited Ballet Philippines for its production of Rama Hari.
Ballet Philippines’ (BP) “Rama Hari,” adapted by Bienvenido Lumbera from the Indian epic “Ramayana,” is the most nominated and most awarded production in Gawad Buhay history, winning 14 of its 22 nominations in 2012.*
- Inquirer.net, 24 March, 2018
Another multi awarded production is Encantada.
BP’s “Encantada” remains the only production to have swept all four design awards in a single year, for Salvador Bernal’s set and costume designs, TJ Ramos’ sound design and Batalla’s lighting design in 2011.*
-Inquirer.net, 24 March, 2018
This brings our attention to its choreographer... former Artistic Director and now Natatanging Gawad Buhay awardee - Agnes Locsin. I've had the privilege of being taken under her wing as a dance scholar and have performed for some of her choreographies. I remember dancing for her in Dabaw while she was making her way as a newbie choreographer... Perhaps the most difficult that I have been able to perform in was Encantada. Agnes' choreographies stand out because of its historical, ethnographic, and cultural themes as well as its iconic dance language that isn't hard to miss... She has a body of works that remains among the top draws of Ballet Philippines repertoire. If you ask me, this award 's taken too long.
- Inquirer.net, 24 March, 2018
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| photo from tumblr.com |
Another multi awarded production is Encantada.
BP’s “Encantada” remains the only production to have swept all four design awards in a single year, for Salvador Bernal’s set and costume designs, TJ Ramos’ sound design and Batalla’s lighting design in 2011.*
-Inquirer.net, 24 March, 2018
This brings our attention to its choreographer... former Artistic Director and now Natatanging Gawad Buhay awardee - Agnes Locsin. I've had the privilege of being taken under her wing as a dance scholar and have performed for some of her choreographies. I remember dancing for her in Dabaw while she was making her way as a newbie choreographer... Perhaps the most difficult that I have been able to perform in was Encantada. Agnes' choreographies stand out because of its historical, ethnographic, and cultural themes as well as its iconic dance language that isn't hard to miss... She has a body of works that remains among the top draws of Ballet Philippines repertoire. If you ask me, this award 's taken too long.
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| *photo screen grab from Facebook |
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| *photo from Astig.ph |
Ever the recluse, Agnes typical reaction upon hearing of the award was embarassment instead of surprise. She abhors public adulation... much like another awardee - Sarah Anne Alejandro. Sarah took dance classes with Agnes Locsin as well. What makes Sarah different is that she is an MD by profession... yes, she is a medical doctor! Sarah's award comes in the heels of her outstanding performance in Amada. Choreographed by Alice Reyes, Amada is an adaptation of a folktale dealing with the occult in which a cloistered Spanish lady takes a fascination for a local ritual when women reign supreme. Sarah was cast as the Tadtarin, the ring leader of the community who passes on her persona to the reticent Amada. For all her lady like demeanor and shy manners, Sarah is transformed into a wild shaman that leads the town into a frenzy of witchcraft and reincarnation. And so, it's a no-brainer why she was bestowed the award.
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| *photo from Facebook |
Another BP alumni who received a citation was PJ Rebullida for his choreography in the musicale Newsies. The show had its run at the Solaire in Manila to sell out crowds for a few months. PJ started training with STEPS Dance Studio and then danced for Ballet Philippines for a few seasons. He then succeeded in moving to Germany where he performed contemporary dance pieces. He came back to Manila and did the rounds of dance schools sharing the expertise he learned in modern and contemporary dance abroad. PJ is one of the many dance artist alumni who continually touches base with Ballet Philippines...
I'm currently waiting to hear from the others out there... throw me a line and let me know what you're up to. We'd really like to know!
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