The production showcases the everyday lives of dancers, weaving through their struggles, dreams, and efforts with movements by multi-awarded choreographer JM Cabling.
This October 2025, Mari Dance —a creative agency that approaches dance as a mirror to modern life—presents a dance in a day in a dance: a contemporary dance production by multi-awarded choreographer JM Cabling that brings together the collective stories of its own artists—choreographers, dancers, and behind-the-scenes collaborators—highlighting the often-hidden struggles that define artistic life.
READ ALSO: Korean Films Take Center Stage In “Scene Architects Build On-Screen Worlds”
In a dance in a day in a dance, a choreographer wrestles with frustration, a dancer must fight for their role, creatives set out in search of their authentic voice, and relationships are tested under pressure—each vignette composed of challenges and triumphs that mirror the audience’s own journeys. At its core, the production asks: “Why do we continue to pursue our dreams despite setbacks?”
Featuring JM Cabling’s accomplished homegrown students, a dance in a day in a dance also marks the return of two dancers to the Philippine stage. Al Garcia, who was formerly with Tjimur Dance Company in Taiwan until this August, performs solo roles; meanwhile, Katrene San Miguel, who recently completed her contract with Hong Kong Ballet after years with Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, joins the cast as she transitions into contemporary dance. Mari Dance co-founders Michael Barry Que and Sarah Samaniego also appear in lead roles.
Through a dance in a day in a dance, JM Cabling and Mari Dance aim to reinforce contemporary dance as a medium for storytelling—not just as an art form, but also as a reflection of real lives and human experiences.
The show is co-presented by Areté in partnership with Guang Ming Dance Project. Collaborators include Mikko Angeles (Direction), Wika Nadera (Set Design), Arvy Dimaculangan (Sound Design), Joyce Garcia (Projection Mapping), and D Cortezano (Lighting Design). The production is rated PG-13.
The show runs from October 10 to 12 and 17 to 19, 2025 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University. You can get your tickets via Ticket2Me, or buy them directly at bit.ly/a_dance_2025.
To purchase direct from show buyers, contact: Marichu San Miguel at 09928255118 (October 11, Saturday, 730 PM), Paulline Angeles at 09814092019 (October 18, Saturday, 2 PM), and Rache Estacio at 09157737536 (October 18, Saturday, 730 PM).
Follow Mari Dance’s Instagram @Maridanceph and Facebook for more updates.
Photos courtesy of Mari Dance.
