Independent contemporary dance rallies all dance lovers to celebrate International Dance Day with them in the innovative festival-tour of alternative spaces for dance, the second “Contemporary Dance Map 2006,” an initiative of World Dance Alliance Philippines Choreographers’ Network. This shall occur from April 29-May 12, 2006 in six alternative venues for dance. The Choreographers’ Network is composed of: Myra Beltran’s Dance Forum, Airdance, U.P. Dance Company, Green Papaya Art Projects, Chameleon Dance Theatre and Dancing Wounded Contemporary Dance Commune. WDA Education Network joins the dance map with Quezon City Ballet.

The schedule is as follows: April 29-30, 8pm at Dance Forum Space (38 West Ave., QC), May 3-4, 6pm lounge / 9pm show at Green Papaya Art Projects (124A Maginhawa, Teachers Village East, QC), May 6-7, 8pm at Airdance Studio (1480 Quezon Ave. Outlet Yard, QC), May 8-9, 9pm at Dwtopia: doubleutopia (2030 Mabini Ave. Malate, Manila), May 10, 8pm at HC School of Dance (1227 Quezon Ave., QC), May 11-12, 8pm, RACEC (89b Diego Silang, Cubao, QC).

This unique dance festival is the experimental ground of independent contemporary dance in the Philippines. It is where the audience shares in the choreographic mind and process of the artists in their respective venues and where dance is made accessible to the community. The Quezon City government through Mayor SB Belmonte encourages this project because of the use of alternative performing spaces, where it is the dance artists who take the initiative for the production and creation of dance.

Myra Beltran’s Dance Forum hosts the gala with “Contemporary dance map: the independent variable (+- 35…dancin’). All the groups of the choreographers’ network perform, some under 35 years old, some over 35 - all bravely dancing and proudly declaring independence of mind and body. Watch over 35 years old dancers create and perform new works that challenge notions about dance and the dancer. April 29-30, 8pm. www.mbeltrandanceforum.com or call 0917-5269724.

Green Papaya Art Projects hosts international guest artists in “What if I fall flat on my face again? Chasing the Whale Project.” This art gallery has produced dance works specific to its space, emphasizing cross-over to other media. In this shared evening of dance and new media, artists across cultures converge and examine the parameters of working together, in its fragile process and unknown outcome. May 3-4, 6pm lounge / 9pm show. www.greenpapaya.org or call 0917-5013401 / 9273187.

Airdance brings us “Carmen de la Cruz,” a Pinoy-retelling of “Carmen,” that famous story of love and unbridled passion, now set in a 1970’s Manila reeking in sex, drugs, religion and politics. In this sensuous deconstruction, Airdance breathes its eclectic style and daring physicality to this enduring and always timeless, crime of passion. May 6-7, 8pm. www.airdance.com.ph or call 3733567.

Dancing Wounded Contemporary Dance Commune brings together artists of the network in “Re-writing Parts with Pärt.” Solos succeed one another, but are diametrically arranged to create a kind of mirroring on a larger scale - at close range above the previous but in alternating layers and voices. Here, solos masterfully unfold as the entire landscape transfigures. May 8-9, 9pm, call: 0916-2967627.

U.P. Dance Company with the special participation of Quezon City Ballet gives us “Dancing in the Academe.” Imagining the shape of the future, dance education meets challenges in choreographic discourse, ways to looking at history and the body, and context in creation. Innovative and repertory works are showcased in this program, curated by Education Network of WDA-Phil. May 10, 8pm, call: 0918-9278178.

Chameleon Dance Theatre presents “Crossing Borders.” Dance has always lived in a homeland without borders and new work by emerging choreographers attempt to cross all borders in form, in idea, in desire. New meaning emerge at those border-crossing, dance is renewed, in a fitting finale for an International Dance Day celebration! May 11-12, 8pm, call: 0919-8434284.

World Dance Alliance-Philippines is headed by Basilio Esteban Villaruz as chair, Corazon Inigo, vice-chair, Shirley Halili-Cruz, secretary-treasurer and Myra Beltran, coordinator of Choreographers’ Network.

Be with us to chart a way to get together – celebrate dance with us.