A dancer transitioning to become a choreographer (or dancer/choreographer) is an organic progression. With the wealth of experience one gains as a dancer, you are able to increase your vocabulary. With more technique, you become more able to assist the dancers in moving the way you want them to move. With more performances under your belt, you have a better idea of how to rehearse and mount shows. However, creativity and depth while it can be influenced by exposure is not necessarily easy to achieve. It is because of this that the dancer usually steps into the role of the choreographer when he is ready to leave the stage to concentrate on his or her concept. This is the norm but it is not absolute. Gerardo Francisco, Principal Dancer of Ballet Manila joins the likes of Marcelo Gomes of American Ballet Theatre, Justin Peck of New York City Ballet and Erl Sorilla of Ballet Philippines. Still very much at his prime, he has decided to accept the challenge of being both a serious dancer and a serious choreographer at the same time. He has decided to be a maverick of sorts as he tries to achieve more in both paths.
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| Gerardo Francisco Photo Courtesy of Ballet Manila |
Francisco has been creating pieces for Ballet Manila as early as 2003 when they allowed him to represent the company in the 2003 Asia Pacific Ballet Competition with his piece "Hunting". After this, it was as if the universe was telling him to continue this path. He had a string of good fortune with non stop recognition for pieces that he created. For two consecutive years, contemporary solos he created for Ballet Manila competitors won best choreography in the NAMCYA ballet competitions ("Bulag, Pipi at Bingi" in 2008 and "Hilas" in 2009). In 2009 his piece "OFW" won best choreography during the WIFI Body Competition. The same piece was also showcased in the 2016 Shanghai Contemporary Dance Festival in Shanghai, China. Later on he also won Bronze medal in Andong Mask Festival for "Morions" in 2011. While awards are always shiny things that remain in people's minds, I find that the true test is when the pieces remain in the people's hearts. Personally I generally see a lot of heart and energy ingrained in his movement and that I believe that is what made people want to see more of his creations. His works tend to be punctuated with moving beats, sobering patterns and rythmic repetitions. I rarely see subtleties in his work instead he favors strong and dramatic extended movements. I feel that his progression is helping him inch closer to making his own brand of movement. It is no wonder why Ballet Manila has been steadfast in their support of his craft. The continuity of his exploration has truly allowed him to mature into the role of a designer of movement. He has moved on to deeper themes, and grander projections of his ideas. No longer constraint with expressing himself with a just a few minutes of music, he has been given more freedom to explore.
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| Abigail Oliveiro as Ibong Adarna |
This year, Francisco was given his biggest challenge to date. He was given free reign to create Ballet Manila's "Ibong Adarna" a full length ballet credited to his name. Key words being full length and ballet. With full creative control, he re-imagined the famous Filipino story of the mythical bird. When asked how he prepared for this gargantuan task, he calmly explained his process. Ibong Adarna was just an idea that he pitched to Ms. Lisa Macuja. When she accepted and supported the idea, he was overwhelmed with excitement so much so that inspiration came easy. He fondly recalled how he started to envision the ballet. He was influenced by "Aguila" that was created for him by Ms. Agnes Locsin. He also reconnected with "Corvus" (crows) which he created for not too long ago. Lastly, he studied the magic of Swan Lake. Studying the three different approaches to the bird, he thinks he has created something distinctly Filipino that people can relate to. Ibong Adarna will be premiered this August 26, 2017 at the Aliw Theatre. Everyone will be thinking of him as the curtains rise. Truly, this is his chance to elevate himself into the big leagues. It is somewhat a test of ability to capture an entire audience for more than an hour. However the outcome, what is more important is that he continues to create and cultivate. If it's a hit then well and good if not, I am certain he is well on his way to the coveted corner of choreographers. As an advocate of original Filipino creations, I choose to think he will succeed in this task. Why don't we all see each other at the theater and see what this young, award winning choreographer has come up with?! See you at the theater?!
Ibong Adarna goes onstage at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on :
August 26 and September 2, 2017 6:00p.m.
August 27 and September 3, 2017 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are available at all Ticketworld outlets, online at www.ticketworld.com.ph, or call 891 9999.
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