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| Udlot Udlot Choreography by Elena Laniog Dancers: Alexa Torte and Marveen Ely Lozano |
UP Dance Company put together "Pasundayag" to celebrate the Company's 30th year as a performing group. It was a look back at some of the pieces that were contributed by their Artistic Directors, Elena Laniog, Herbert Alvarez, Flordeliza Fernandez-Punzalan and Basilio. With hardly any light except a few yellow bulbs I attempted to document their final rehearsal. While my photographs are dark and grainy, their performance was completely the opposite. Their pieces were illuminated and soulful. Their movements were crisp, clean and sharp giving justice to the historical pieces of the Company. I'm quite sure the show was epic. The curation of the show was commendable because it showed the commitment of the Company to going beyond the ballet standard both in physicality and in concept. It's nice to see how a genre is redefined by different choreographers through time. I loved how Flordeliza Fernandez Punzalan's bold and beautiful "Femina" contrasted with Elena Laniog's intricate and internal "On Cracked Ground". The performance also showcased the strength of the Company's technique and maturity. Herbert Alvarez' "Krystie Kyrie" is a make it or break it piece heavily dependent on strong ensemble work and technique. However the dancers were focused on the group effort and delivered effortlessly a clean and beautiful performance.
Thirty years after, I think the founders have a lot to smile about. They have a history that is artistically fulfilling with countless beautiful choreographic pieces. They have produced a number of dancer-choreographers who have lead their respective companies competently. They have adequately prepared their graduates for real careers in the industry. They have produced competent dance historians, educators and critics who push the dance conversation to deeper levels. This kind of output speaks volumes. But perhaps the biggest achievement in their thirty year history is the creation of a legacy of uniqueness. UP Dance Company is a reminder to all that it is okay to find your own voice, own rhythm and own movement to celebrate dance. Conformity is over-rated. I look forward to another thirty years of ingenuity.
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| Cantina Choreographed by Basilio Dancer: Mark Robles |
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| Cantina Choreographed by Basilio Dancer: Aisha Polestico |
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| Femina Choreographed by Flordeliza Fernandez-Punzalan Dancers: Sarah Samaniego Aisha Polestico Honey Lyn Juntilla and Alexa Torte |
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| Udlot Udlot Choreography by Elena Laniog Dancers: Alexa Torte and Marveen Ely Lozano |
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| On Cracked Ground Choreographed by Elena Laniog |
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| Kristo Kyrie choreographed by Herbert Alvarez |
#darkness
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