There’s a wealth of talent in dance in the Philippines whether it’s performing, choreographing or teaching. The C-Map International Choreographers Dance Festival in Bacolod honors these talents in a biannual tradition.
Founded by Negrense choreographer Dwight Rodrigazo, this event presents independent local and foreign companies and schools and new works from graduates of his workshop.
C-MAP stands for Content Movement Analysis Program, Rodrigazo’s annual intensive course that educates budding choreographers on rudiments of dance composition. In the past, the program ended with a concert for their experiments. Graduates received a diploma from the World Dance Alliance, an organization that promotes development and appreciation of dance genres.
Since 2015, it has evolved into a three-day showcase of ballet, contemporary and hip-hop. It will run from July 28- 30 at SMX Convention Center Bacolod.
On July 28, the program will feature international schools and companies—majority are run by Filipino dancers: Westlake School of Performing Arts (US); Ocampo Huang Contemporary Dance Company (US); Edge N’ Pointe (Hong Kong); Edmund Gaerlan-Genecela Dance Company (Indonesia); G Dance Company (Indonesia); Uma Dance Company (Malaysia); Dance Pull Project (Philippines); The Project (Philippines); and Airdance (Philippines).
The best dance schools in the Philippines will be presented on July 29—Steps Dance, Danspace, Halli-Cruz Dance School, Integrated School for Theater and Dance, House of Dance, Dance Theater Arts, Dance Pull of Performing Arts, Garcia-Sanchez school of Dance and School for Theater Arts and Dance.
The climax on July 30 is the C-MAP Choreographers’ Showcase, featuring works by Gillianne Therese Gequinto, Aljana Limuaco, June Blanche Saagundo, Benhur Abulencia, Jemmar Azucena, Emmanuel Bajala Jr., April Jay Banquil, and Bernie Mailla. Douglas Nierras, Cora Iñigo and Eddie Elejar will receive honors for choreography.
The program also acknowledges the mentors who produced top quality dancers—Jess De Paz, Vella Damian, Perry Ssvidal, Brehznev Larlar, Cristina Fargas, Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, Shirley Hallili-Cruz and Luther Perez.
The Negrense Awardees is given to homegrown talents Cecile Sicangco-Ibarrola, dancer-turned-pioneer Pilates mentor, and actor-choreographer Rene Hinojales.
Rodrigazo said that these events foster camaraderie among the participants from foreign countries. “The whole idea is to keep everybody in dance connected,” he said. —CONTRIBUTED