It takes bravado and wherewithal to run a sustainable dance company abroad and to give back to one’s motherland.
Filipino-Canadian choreographer Alvin Erasga Tolentino is launching a contemporary choreographic competition to keep the local dance alive.
“I believe in the power of dance as an art form, how it transforms people and their lives, and also in talents who need to be supported. There are so many talented artists leaving the Philippines to find work. Their talents are wasted elsewhere rather concentrating what they love most. It is important that we begin to understand artist-to-artist relations and look into the new generation,” said Tolentino.
The AET Koreograpiya Award competition encourages Filipino choreographers to present a 10-to-20-minute piece that is innovative in combining different dance forms or disciplines; experiments with new media; integrates other disciplines or creates a new vocabulary of movement. The topics can range from current issues, gender identity or introspective themes. The works are judged by veteran dance artists who have made an impact in the Philippine dance scene.
The grand prize of P40,000 comes from Tolentino’s personal income which he sets aside yearly. “It’s not a lot, but it’s a good start to cover one’s professional training or be put into the cost of one’s creation or production. It can support many things. I hope this prize award can grow. I am lobbying other donors to come forward and support it,” he said.
Previous winners were Ea Tornado’s ensemble piece, “Canton,” for her Daloy Daloy Dance Company and Russ Ligtas’ solo.
“Both were chosen by their senior peers for their current contribution to contemporary dance, their strong presence and promise of talent in dance,” he said.
Tolentino is a shining example of finding artistic success overseas. His eponymous Co. Erasga has been thriving in Vancouver for 18 years as a nonprofit organization that supports his artistic vision. It is governed by a board of directors and managed by him and his staff.
“I have worked hard to build a self-sustaining company with the support of public funding through grants from the several government agencies. We are also helped by donors, annual fund-raising initiatives and tickets sales. As a charitable organization, we accept donations from patrons and corporate sponsors. Building an arts organization is a constant work load and search for support. This happens across the world,” said Tolentino.
Company programs
As in any regular company, it presents a yearly production season, community and outreach programs and touring initiatives. “Co. Erasga has a global perspective, reaching out to both the national and international arts communities. We coproduce with other institutions, festivals and arts organizations worldwide to continue our work for dance,” he explained.
Tolentino has been touring his company in the Philippines, presenting the local audiences his global viewpoint with a strong Asian influence. His cross-cultural style integrates Eastern and Western dance and theater elements and themes that have a universal appeal. –CONTRIBUTED
E-mail aetchoreographyaward@gmail.com. Deadline of entries is on April 29.