Agnes Locsin in a Different Light

In the heart of the upscale Insular Village 1 in Lanang, Davao City, an exhibit of national significance was unveiled on September 26, 2024. The Davao Museum of History and Ethnography launched "Dance is My Life," a tribute to National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin.

The exhibit is the brainchild and was curated by Pam and Igy Castrillo, whose exhibitions have been featured at the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography, Museo Dabawenyo, and Ateneo de Davao University. Upon approval of the Museum’s Executive Director, Sylvia Lorenzana, Pam and Igy recruited Biag Gaongen, dance archivist, dancer, and current Associate Artistic Director of Locsin Dance Workshop to assist them in this endeavor.  Believing that Locsin’s story has the power to educate, move, and inspire people, the team mounted this exhibit with vigor, passion, and commitment.

I had the privilege of seeing this exhibit last November 11, 2024 toured by no other than National Artist Agnes Locsin herself.

Photo by Lucas Jacinto 

Spoiler Alert

                                   

The exhibit begins with a retrospective timeline that showcases key moments in Locsin’s life in dance. The first thing that catches your attention is a huge photo of two-and-a-half-year-old Agnes Locsin  (dressed in baby ballet attire) striking a pose. The charming picture was taken by her  father Jose S. Locsin who was a photographer of no mean talent. Locsin was largely trained in dance by her mother Car

The exhibit then moves on to two of the most compelling artifacts in the exhibit. You see a framed picture of Agnes’ first ever award in the arts - a Best Dancer Ribbon Medal that Locsin received when she was in Kindergarten.  Beside it is Locsin's National Artist Award. 

You see the actual ribbon - in mint condition - displayed a few steps away, an affirmation of Agnes’ mother’s deep pride and joy in her daughter.  This author could not help but tear up because clearly this section of the exhibit credits Locsin’s mother for instilling in her the joy of dancing, the need to celebrate the Filipino, and the power to educate others.

               

Locsin's retrospective features a few photos of herself.  A large image of her performing a tour jeté showcases her youth and agility. While Locsin is widely recognized as a prolific choreographer, the photo reminds us that she had many awe-inspiring moments on stage as a dancer. This particular photograph was also taken by her father, to whom she attributes her compositional skills and keen eye for aesthetics. 

                                       

Choreographic Pursuits

The exhibit uses technology to provide the audience with a glimpse of Locsin's masterpieces on televisions showing curated content on USB thumb drives, allowing navigation of some of her important works. 

Locsin rose to prominence by creating pieces that embody manifestations of Filipino identity and celebrate indigenous cultures, practices, and beliefs. She developed her own vocabulary of movement, establishing herself as a maverick in the field. Her pieces soon became social commentaries and call to action within the community. The videos clearly show that her genius has a range that is hard to rival. 

Selfless Declarations of Love

The imagery of her dancers dominates the exhibit. One striking image is that of Locsin teaching dancer and nephew Sonny Locsin how to elongate his body. I had the pleasure of hearing Agnes’ personal stories about her dancers. She talked about how her dancers - whom she called her “babies” - would influence her work or glorify her pieces. Her descriptions were profoundly moving. The exhibit is clearly also Locsin’s tribute to her dancers.

Exemplary Artworks

The exhibit displays artworks that showcase Locsin’s dance pieces. They include BenCab’s invaluable Sabel Series and Monette Pangan’s unique and ingenious sculptures. 

But for this author, the most important artworks are sketches done by Locsin herself. These are impressive, to say the least; her strokes are as detailed as her choreography with a strong vibe pretty much like her character. Locsin’s artwork is clearly another bold and creative attempt to explore art beyond her comfort zone. 

                                         

The exhibit closes with a window display of the Locsin Dance Workshop showing items from the past and the present. Locsin has now come full circle. She started in Locsin Dance Workshop as a dancer and choreographer, and she has returned to the same spot to ensure that the art continues in Davao. 

A curated exhibit on a National Artist often suggests that the viewer will encounter an academic review of historical milestones. This exhibit certainly fulfills that expectation; yet, beyond this scholarly requirement, what unfolds before you is Locsin’s very heart laid bare.

Prepared with such sensitivity, the exhibit portrays the National Artist in a different light.  This exhibit is a picture of her selfless disregard for her accomplishments. Instead, in full display is her gratitude for her early influences, her collaborators, projects close to her heart, and her hidden talents. 

                                                      

Photo by Lucas Jacinto 

Agnes Locsin is a teacher, a dancer, a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a Filipino. This exhibit is a true representation of her life - multifaceted, colorful, productive,e and inspiring.  

For the people in the area, this opportunity to get to know the pride of Davao should not be missed. There is too much to learn and too much to be proud of. People from all over should flock to Davao because this is a fleeting moment to be optimized. Understand Locsin and you will understand what being a true Filipino is all about.