Philippine Women Centre of B.C.

Internationally-acclaimed Filipino-Canadian dancer to present latest solo performance

April 5, 2005

Alvin Erasga Tolentino, daring virtuoso Filipino-Canadian choreographer and contemporary dancer, will present his latest full-length solo performance "Field" during a benefit evening for the Philippine Women Centre of BC (PWC of BC).

In "Field", Tolentino pays homage to the rhythm of his nostalgic memories of the rituals and spirits of the Filipino people and their lifeblood - the land and the rice fields. Tolentino created the first installment of "Field" two years ago in a collaborative effort with Ballet Philippines and describes the experience, which doubled as his artistic debut in his birthplace, as "memorable and emotional." "It was my first time working with my own people and speaking the language in a creative manner and learning their physicality" explained Tolentino.

He is now bringing the product of this life-changing creative experience to Vancouver on May 14, 2005 collaborating again with his fellow Filipino people. Tolentino has chosen PWC of BC as the beneficiary of a benefit evening that shall feature "Field".

The Dance Centre where Tolentino is doing his residency is also a supportive partner of this benefit evening. "I wish to continue my creative support with PWC. This collaboration is my way of extending and reaching out to foster community partnership and to give attention to the important work of PWC in the province," Tolentino says.

He came to Canada 1983 and pursued professional dance training with Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, York University and SUNY Purchase, the Limon Institute, as well as with some of the prominent Canadian and international dance educators. In 2001, Tolentino created Co. ERASGA, a Vancouver-based contemporary dance company under his artistic directorship.

Tolentino's insightful, imaginative, and hybrid dances have been featured on many Canadian stages and in Japan, Switzerland, USA, Dominican Republic, France, Belgium and the Philippines. PWC's benefit evening featuring "Field" shall raise awareness of the Purple Rose Campaign, an international campaign in its 6th year to end the sex-trafficking of Filipino women and children.

At the benefit, Tolentino shall be joined by Ninotchka Rosca, an award-winning New York-based Filipina writer and international spokeswoman for the Purple Rose Campaign and Marilou Carrillo, Vancouver chair of the Purple Rose Campaign. The audience will have the rare opportunity to interact in a panel session with Tolentino, Rosca, and Carrillo.

"Field"
A new performance by Alvin Erasga Tolentino paying homage to the land and people of the Philippines
A benefit evening for the
Philippine Women Centre of BC
May 14, 2005
Doors open 6:30 pm - No admittance after 7:15 pm Scotia Bank Dance Centre 677 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC Admission: $50 (semi-formal attire)

To order tickets or for more information contact Charlene at 604.215.1103 or pwc@kalayaancentre.net Arrangements for interviews with Alvin Erasga Tolentino, Ninotchka Rosca