The Show Goes On: The CCP Dance Series (Live!) Celebrates the Return of On-Stage Performances While Honoring Filipino Culture

The ongoing series showcases three programs: Pulso Pilipinas I, Pulso Pilipinas II: Alay Nina Alice at Agnes, Premieres, and Encores, and Puso Ng Pasko.

After two years of the pandemic-induced halt to live performing arts. At the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Alice Reyes Dance Philippines presents a celebration of cultural dance by two living National Artists: Alice Reyes and Agnes Locsin. When COVID hit the globe, and forced lockdown restrictions were implemented, Reyes took several dance companies under her wing. e initiative was supported by Margie Moran Floirendo, the president of CCP.

Ronelso Yadao in Alice Reyes’ Carmina Burana / Photo by Jojo Mamangun

The return

Dancers and artists adapted to the times by producing dance films and offering masterclasses online. However, some professional dancers found themselves displaced during the global crisis. In effect, they’ve rebranded themselves as the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP), working closely with the CCP as part of its Professional Artist Support Program (PASP).

The ongoing series showcases three programs: Pulso Pilipinas I, Pulso Pilipinas II: Alay Nina Alice at Agnes, Premieres, and Encores, and Puso Ng Pasko. Pulso Pilipinas I ran from September 23 to 24, which presented Reyes’ “Company” and Locsin’s “Moriones” choreographies. Thee following weekend, Pulso Pilipinas II: Alay Nina Alice at Agnes merged the two National Artists’ works in one presentation.

Unquestionably Filipino

The program features Locsin’s“Igorot,”“Eliasat Salome,” and “Moriones,” followed by Alice Reyes’ “Carmina Burana.” Meanwhile, Premieres and Encores, scheduled for October 28 to 19, launches French choreographer Redha Benteifour’s new work “Je Veux Vivre,” which translates to “I Want To Live.”

Kris-Belle Paclibar in Agnes Locsin’s “Salome” / Photo by Jojo Mamangun

It will also feature works by Filipino choreographers like Lester Reguindin’s “GomBurZa,” JM Cabling’s “I Wanna Say Something,” and Erl Sorilla, John Ababon, AL Abraham, and Ronelson Yadao’s “Visayan Suite of Dances.”

Moriones by Agnes Locsin_/ Photo by Locsin Dance Workshop)

Puso Ng Pasko, set for December 2 to 4, will close the series for the festive season. Ronelson Yadao conceptualizes the rst full-length, all-Filipino Christmas ballet with musical arrangements by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. e various ways Filipinos across regions celebrate Christmas will be represented, from Simbang Gabi to community plazas decorated with unquestionably Filipino parols.

Images courtesy of ALICE REYES DANCE PHILIPPINES (ARDP).

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