THE REVIEWS ARE IN: CCP and French Embassy’s Premieres and Encores present a fabulous French-Filipino collaboration

The Cultural Center of the Philippines in partnership with The French Embassy opened the dance concert “Premieres and Encores” on October 28, 2022.

Audiences were delighted to an impressive performance featuring artists of the CCP’s Professional Dance Support Program and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. Here are some testimonies from audiences who attended the opening night.

Marivic Rufino

Marivic Rufino, a Filipino visual artist, writer, concert producer, and businesswoman, said, “Premieres and Encores was impressive! Redha Benteifour’s pieces were powerful. The expressive dancers had amazing energy. A fabulous French-Filipino collaboration.”

Anna Periquet

Anna Periquet, a Public Servant, Arts Patron, and Multi-awarded Latin American Dancesport Athlete, added, “What a beautiful and powerful show! Congratulations! I loved every performance this evening. It took my emotions to a different level. So intense! And the passion and dedication of each and every ARDP dancer on stage tonight were just amazing. All heart and soul.”

Petty Benitez

Petty Benitez Johannot, Archivist and Curator of the MiraNila Heritage House and Library, said, “What a nice evening it was! What a strong corps of dancers. The country is blessed with such talent, more & more power to this newly minted dance company. Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, we all enjoyed the evening.”

Mike Dela Rosa

Mike Dela Rosa, Fashion Designer, added, “Premieres and Encores, a body of choreographed pieces presented by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines and the Artist Support Program turned out to be an evening of exceptional talent and fresh artistry. I must say, it was an eye-opener and enjoyable to see relevant themes for our times interpreted through modern and contemporary ballet movements. Bravo!”

Toots Tolentino

Toots Tolentino, a Communications and PR Consultant, said “Premieres and Encores showcased mixed emotions. Erl Sorilla’s passion in ‘I Wanna Say Something’ was contagious. Richardson Yadao and Macel Dofitas’s intensity in ‘Man Seated on the Armchair’ was electrifying. The ensemble of ‘The Hope of Tomorrow’ effortlessly delivered a surreal opus. ‘The Visayan Suite of Dances’ tickled our badge for loving Pinoy folk dance with the modern twist.

All of these performances will forever be etched in Philippine ballet history. The new breed of Pinoy choreographers in the ARDP stable deserves more productions in the future.” He adds, “Equally, we dearly love Redha Benteifour’s world premiere – ‘The Hope of Tomorrow.’ The ensemble obviously had ‘lungs of steel’ to be able to survive that riveting choreography. Bravo to the choreographers and dancers!”

Liping Zheng

Liping Zheng, an Artist, Member of China Artist Association, and Council Member of Chinese Painting Institute, said, “This spectacular dancing performance is absolutely a splendid art show. They successfully demonstrate Filipino’s passion for love, for freedom, and for a better tomorrow. Creative choreographers and passionate dancers are presenting with their soul and body the courage to move forward.

Since existing in this planet, human beings have been fighting with all challenges in the restless world to survive. Today, this artwork has even more profound impact on the audience in this moment that we are reaching the end of the dark tunnel with the cheerful light of hope after a long pandemic. I am deeply impressed by the way in which they expressed themselves. Contemporary expression makes art language close and familiar to today’s spectators. Even in the pleasant-featured Visayan Suite of Dances consisting of folk components, we also feel the irreplaceable charm and overwhelming beauty in a contemporary sense.”

Finally, award-winning photographer, Neal Oshima, said this of the performance, “I simply loved it. The movements weren’t sweeping, graceful, or balletic but rapid, staccato, and syncopated. They were Asian and contemporary. It took a lot from martial arts, tribal dance, funk, buto, hiphop, and break to create a very Filipino idiom. The show had variety, drama, angst, and humor. I left feeling stimulated and optimistic.”

PREMIERES AND ENCORES, featuring artists of CCP’s Professional Artists Support Program and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines have rescheduled performances on November 5, 2022, 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. at the CCP Main Theater. Tickets are available through the contacts below.

Experience the CCP Dance Series (Live!)

PREMIERES AND ENCORES

NOVEMBER 5 | 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

Reserve your Seats Now!

Bonnie Guerrero