THE MOUNTAIN
A Local Dance Commissioning Project World Premiere

Choreographed and Conceived by Jason Garcia Ignacio
Music by Domenico Vicinanza
Vocals and Percussion by Paolo Cimmino
Costumes by Jason Garcia Ignacio
Costumes supplied by The Embassy of the Philippines
Videography by Francisco Campos-Lopez

Sarimanok (Mythical and Magical Bird)
Jason Garcia Ignacio

Malakas at Maganda (The Strong and the Beautiful)
Maleek Mahkail Washington, Kathryn Pilkington

The Islanders
Giselle Alvarez, Elizabeth Gahl, Sydney Ignacio, Delphina Parenti, Kathryn Pilkington, William Smith, Maleek Mahkail Washington, Alice Belle Wylie

Nature
Alana Allende, Kate Jordan, Kaitlin Madzelan, Mariel Miller, Noelle G. Snyder, Daniel H. Zook

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When mountain speak, people listen: Mt. Pinatubo’s voice and power were heard and felt when this volcano erupted in 1991.  In the meantime, in the urban center of Metro Manila, a landfill referred to as Smokey Mountain had risen over the years—a massive yet sad monument to human neglect that left the earth groaning under its weight.

These two very different mountains provide perfect metaphors for a dance that is based on intimate experiences in the Philippines, yet carries a compelling global environmental message.

Music for the performance is from seismic waves recorded from various volcanoes around the world: Mount Etna in Italy, Mount Tungurahua in Ecuador, and Mt. Pinatubo and Mt. Mayon in the Philippines.  Emanating from the earth itself, these sounds provide a rich context to the dance and speak directly to us.

The Mountain draws from rich and diverse Filipino folklore and mythology, synthesizes with traditional and modern dance forms and cutting-edge technology, and speaks to all of our continuing responsibility as nature’s stewards. 

Beginning with human creation, a mythical and magical bird (Sarimanok) pecks open a bamboo to reveal a man (Malakas or “strong”) and a woman (Maganda, or “beautiful”).  Bearing their offspring, they make an allegorical journey over the waters.  What follows is an exposition on the personal and collective voyage towards development, man’s impact on the environment, and the environment’s own impact on humans. 

The Mountain was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of Performing Arts for Everyone and the Millennium Stage. 


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TWIN TRIUMPHS: FILIPINO CHOREOGRAPHER JASON IGNACIO DRAWS STANDING OVATION FOR KENNEDY CENTER WORLD PREMIERE, WINS 9TH METRO DC DANCE AWARD

14 SEPTEMBER 2009 WASHINGTON DC – Praise and recognition continue to be heaped on Filipino dancer and choreographer, with the world premiere of his work “The Mountain” receiving standing ovations at the Kennedy Center and his performance in dance meriting recognition in the 9th Metro DC Dance Awards.

“The Mountain,” one of only two works specially commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. drew standing ovations from the audience during its two-day performance recently.

Ignacio said, “The Mountain” draws from the rich and diverse folklore and mythology, synthesizing traditional and modern dance forms with cutting-edge technology and “speaks to all about humanity’s continuing responsibility as nature’s stewards.”

In “The Mountain,” Ignacio used Mt. Pinatubo and Smokey Mountain as metaphors for “a dance that is based on intimate experiences in the Philippines yet carries a compelling global environmental message.”

“I wanted to show – through dance – nature’s power and humanity’s power to transform things for the better, for himself and for his world. My being Filipino is evident in the imagery that I tried to paint with movement and I am hopeful that people will respond to my message positively.

Before the performance, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa pointed out, “Smokey Mountain has since been closed down and efforts to manage solid waste and to recycle are gaining ground in the Philippines – through Government and through people’s movements.”

“Tonight, we are reminded anew of what we need to continue working on, if we are to live, to flourish and prosper as one human family. As we experience the performance tonight, let us reaffirm and renew our pledge to do our part in the preservation and protection of our environment,” added Ambassador Gaa.

“The Mountain,” played to full house audience at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

A few days later, Ignacio won in the Outstanding Individual Performer Category at the At the 9th Metro DC Dance Award Monday, also at the Kennedy Center. Ignacio tied with Delphina Parenti. Both Ignacio and Parenti are members of the critically-acclaimed CityDance Ensemble, a professional contemporary dance company based in Washington, D.C.
"I offer this victory to God, my country and my countrymen. I am proud of my filipino heritage, I treasure my filipino values and I am inspired to continue reaching for new artistic heights. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me - my family, CityDance, my mentors, the Filipino community and the Embassy of the Philippines who have joined me in my continuing journey of self discovery and awareness about our world," said Jason after receiving the award.

Ignacio said “It is important for me to speak to Filipinos and other youth in the world through dance and I am thankful for the support that I have been so far receiving.”

During the awarding ceremonies, Ignacio noted the presence of Filipinos who came to support him and noticed too several Asians seated beside him who told him, "We're here to see you!”

“It was such a nice feeling that I'm not only reaching to Filipinos but with other peoples and cultures as well,” explained Ignacio.

In a statement, Ambassador Gaa congratulated Ignacio, saying, “Jason has traveled far with his art. He will travel even further with his creativity and passion. And we will be more than happy to listen to what Jason has to say of his journeys.”

“This is an achievement our people and country can be proud of and it is a testament to the artistry and grace of our people, the creativity of our youth and the excellent training in our institution,” added Ambassador Gaa. END

 

Photos (click photo for larger image)