"On a lonely path where no Filipino dancer has treaded," as one writer put it, Myra Beltran formed Dance Forum in 1995 and has since led a generation of committed dance artists into new terrain in Philippine dance.

She has amassed a distinct body of work and holds a unique place in Philippine dance because she has accomplished this almost single-handedly. Her Dance Forum space has produced many artists’ work and is currently on its eighth year.

Among the choreographer’s work it has produced are the work of are Paul Morales, Dwight Rodrigazo, Denisa Reyes, Christine Maranan, Jojo Lucila, Enrico Labayen.

It has also collaborated with artists of various disciplines in its space. Among the most visible ones of its artist collaborators are Alfonso Bolipata, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Anton Juan, Bencab, Roberto Feleo, Karen Flores, Dr. Ramon Santos, Ramon Bolipata.

Myra started dance with Vella Damian and her professional affiliations include Ballet of Oldenburg (Germany), Ballet of Prishtina (Yugoslavia), Ballet Philippines and The Lab., Projekt-Philippines. Myra’s Dance Forum has performed in various regional and international festivals. Among them the World Dance Alliance Festival 2002 in Dusseldorf, Germany, Exposition’O Contemporary Dance Fiesta 2003, Singapore, Pundaquit Arts Festival, almost yearly since 1995, and the Baguio Arts Festival.

Ms. Beltran’s work can also be seen in the repertoire of mainstream ballet companies such as Ballet Philippines, and Philippine Ballet Theatre. She has also collaborated distinctly with Dulaang UP and most recently, with the University of Iowa’s Theatre Arts Department in its partnership program. She was commissioned to do a work by the Arts Development Association of Taiwan (ADAT) for its recently concluded “Asian Artists Development Series: The Little Festival” where she successfully collaborated with various Taiwan artists. Her body of work as a choreographer for Dance Forum is quite distinct and is well-established.

For her work and performance presence, Ms. Beltran was awarded the Alab ng Haraya Award by the National Commission for Culture and Arts. Her Dance Forum also garnered the Aliw Award in 2001 for Best Dance Group.

Ms. Beltran continues to share her vision and her performance space with other artists and dance schools. She is the rallying force of independent dance in the Philippines.