Under Construction: The cinematic choreography of ‘Florante at Laura’
“I want it to be cinematic!” declared Ballet Manila co-artistic associate Gerardo Francisco Jr. when asked about his choreographic approach to the company’s latest original ballet, Florante at Laura.
“Gusto ko parang pelikula yung movements (I want the movements to feel like it’s a movie), he reiterated. While the concept is difficult to imagine, it becomes clear when one sees the work he has done on Francisco Baltazar’s epic which he is co-choregraphing with British choreographer Martin Lawrance.
In this clip, we get a rare look at the actual process of creation. Working with principal dancer Joshua Enciso and company artist Jefferson Balute, Gerardo tweaks a specific movement in a battle scene when Joshua as Florante defeats his many enemies. From a simple throw, it transforms into a ballet movement with a film-like flair that has become a signature of BM’s resident choreographer.
Florante at Laura premieres on October 12, 8 p.m., at AliwTheater with succeeding shows on October 13 and 19 at 5 p.m.
