Powerdance: A Story of a Metro Manila Dance Company

Abstract

Many dance companies have been formed in the Philippines since the American period. Some are now defunct; others have successfully maintained their status. In the last ten years, Powerdance has been successfully participating in the dance world, both local and international. But there has been no formal study of this group. The thesis is a descriptive study of Powerdance, with the following objectives: to give an overview of dance during the American period and the Metro Manila-based dance companies that emerged; to describe the history of modern jazz in the Philippines; to analyze how Powerdance operates by looking at the managerial and artistic aspects. Data for the study were obtained from library research and interviews, and from Powerdance souvenir programs to establish the history of the company, and videotaped performances to describe the choreography of the group. The thesis as baseline research can be an important addition to the history of dance. It could also be used by other dance companies that may want to adapt the management and artistic style of Powerdance. The American occupation brought different forms of dance such as ballet, modern dance and jazz, and foreign dancers that helped in the development of dance in the Philippines. The first modern dance company was formed in the 1930s. Jazz dance was first performed in bodabil shows during the American period but it was not until the 1960s that a jazz dance group was formed. Jazz dance has the same basic techniques as ballet but, unlike ballet, its movements are snappy and syncopated and stresses body isolations. One of these jazz dance companies is Powerdance, founded by Douglas Nierras in 1988. Aside from performing in concerts and product-launching shows, the dance company runs Powerdance Studio that offers classes in ballet, jazz, hiphop, ballroom, and aerobics. The company generates sufficient income from the clientele of the Studio and its shows. All managerial and artistic decisions are made by Douglas Nierras. Although the training technique is jazz, its performance medium is show dance using all forms like folk, ethnic, hiphop, ballet and jazz. Its choreography is innovative and stretches the limits of the human body. In its existence of ten years, Powerdance continues to perform actively. A major problem observed in this dance company was the lack of proper documentation of its performances and a written mission-vision statement. It should keep an active file of photographs and videotapes of its performances, souvenir programs, press releases and reviews. It should formulate a mission-vision statement to serve as a guide for succeeding dancers in the company.