Stepping Forward with an Attitude of Gratitude

Photo by Kiran West 

Art Changes lives. Those who allow it to enter their lives are rewarded greatly.  Like a  love affair, it  puts a glaze into your eyes, puts you in a trance but ironically makes you see more than you normally could.  I call it fascinating  magic. For some it is  a means to escape, for some it is  a means to find joy but for others it is the opium for healing. For a select few, art is salvation.

Marcelino Libao currently a dance  artist of Hamburg ballet understands this. He is reaping the benefits  as we speak. He has been given a world of opportunities because he chose to be a  artist.  He now lives and breathes dance and enjoys it to the fullest. But you see he was lucky. He was a product of  the Steps Dance Studio scholarship program. He had access to some of the best teachers in the Philippines. He was given  the right exposure to nurture his sense of innate creativity. He had the right environment to learn the concept of ethics. Clearly he appreciates what that gentle (or not so gentle) push towards a dream  has brought him. But not all have this luxury. Somewhere in Manila there is a child who does not even have an inkling that he could one day be the next star of Philippine ballet.   Earlier this year Libao had a chance to mentor two former street children who competed in the prestigious Prix de Lausanne. Seeing how dance transformed them reminded him of the impact  of scholarship programs. Overwhelmed by the experience he found a sense of urgency building up.   Fired up by an attitude of gratitude, he wanted to do his part in making sure that more people can be transformed by dance.  He was inspired to create  a fundraising project called "Stepping Forward" that will benefit the Steps Scholarship Foundation  (CENTEX)   and Academy One's Tuloy Foundation this coming August 2017.  

PHOTO BY KIRAN WEST

Stepping Forward is a two-prong project. Consistent with the concept of increasing the reach, there will be two workshops  taught by selected Hamburg Artists. All proceeds from these masterclasses will be directed towards the above mentioned beneficiaries.  There will also be a charity gala  performance on August 12, 2017 at the Globe Auditorium of Maybank Performing Arts Theater. It will feature performances by Marcelino Libao himself, Mayo Arii, Christopher Evans, Hayley Page, Lizhong Wang and Yun-Su Park.  The repertoire consists of  classical and neo classical works. It includes pieces by  remarkable choreographer, John Neumeier. While the intention is to draw crowds for money for the beneficiaries, it was also created to give local audiences a chance to see world class performances that they would need to travel half the world to see.  It is meant to inspire the ballet youth and perhaps even the veterans with  Hamburg Ballet's point of view. 

A product of a scholarship program myself (CCPDS and Ballet Philippines Scholarship Program), I share Libao's vision. I understand his passion. Art (in this case dance), should be accessible to all simply because it is a gift that keeps on giving. It is my prayer that the dance industry supports this endeavor. Let's give this project a chance and hopefully it will open up better possibilities  to help more people experience joy, healing and even salvation. 

We rise while lifting others. Let this be our chance to pay it forward.  Believe that our little steps can make a difference. 

FOR INQUIRIES YOU MAY CLICK ON THE PROJECT'S FACEBOOK PAGE BELOW 

https://www.facebook.com/steppingforward.ph/

PHOTO BY KIRAN WEST