NEW YORK—It had been a tough week at “Allegiance,” what with a grueling performance schedule (we all tend to get loopy after a five-show weekend). After the Sunday matinee, our last show of the week, a few of us from “Allegiance” headed to the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater to watch a few of our friends totally slay in a dance concert, titled “Lumipad.”
Staged by Broadway Barkada (founded in 2009 by New York-based performers Liz Casasola, Billy Bustamante and Brian Jose), this is the fourth year in a row that this concert was put together.
Filipino choreographers showed off their pieces, performed by mostly Filipino dancers and singers (I spied performers of other racial backgrounds). None of the artists were compensated financially for their work; this was all in the name of self-expression, creative energy and Pinoy pride.
Many members of Broadway Barkada are currently or were previously in Broadway shows or national tours of productions such as “Miss Saigon,” “Mamma Mia!” and “The King and I.” One dancer was once a member of Hotlegs and Adrenaline in Manila, and is now making his Broadway dreams come true. Young and old, different body types, and different genres of dance were on full display.
Although I can say that I enjoyed much of the program, there were standouts for me. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention them.
Athletically blessed
Leads and soloists Jolina Javier, Carol Angeli and Mindy Lai are younger dancers who are not only athletically blessed, but have big hearts that pour out with every step. The more experienced LaMae Caparas, Julius Sermonia and Rommel Ochoa (all of whom are in “The King and I” at Lincoln Center), while still keeping their physical strength and suppleness, have life experience on their side that even the most simple move is filled with emotion.
Albert Guerzon, a man I recognize more for his dancing than anything else, also showed off his singing with a number from “Gypsy,” titled “All I Need is the Girl,” complete with a back somersault and a split drop to the floor.
All the choreographers of the pieces need to be lauded as well for playing to their dancers’ strengths, downplaying the weaknesses and for mining each song’s emotional content, whether it was dramatic, comical or strong. And it was so wonderful to end the night with everyone in the room getting up, heading to the center of the room and dancing.
My one takeaway of the evening was how much Pinoy talent there is in New York. It’s comforting to know that a lot of these dancers and choreographers are currently working and creating. However, there are also a lot who aren’t given the opportunities they deserve. And here is where Barkada comes in.
Like in any group of friends, Broadway Barkada aims to form a community that nurtures and encourages these Pinoy artists. New York is a very tough town for anyone to get a foothold in this business, and it can be discouraging for anyone trying to fulfill a dream.
Congratulations, one and all! Keep on dancing!
For more information, visit www.broadwaybarkada.com.