The aim of the Alvin Erasga Tolentino Choreographic Award is to support an emerging Filipino contemporary choreographer’s artistic development in pursuit of research, creation and production of contemporary dance in the Philippines. The merit based award will recognize a contemporary dance artist’s ability to demonstrate skill and talent in the art of choreography. The award is given Biennale chosen by an appointed jury- Filipino senior dance artist living in the Philippines.

This legacy award was initiated in 2014 through the vision and financial gift of internationally renowned Filipino-Canadian dance artist Alvin Erasga Tolentino to encourage, support and cultivate contemporary choreography dance practices and creations by Filipino dance artists.

Eligibility and Guidelines:

Applicant must be of Filipino descent, a Philippine citizen, and currently live and artistically practice contemporary dance choreography in the Philippines.

Applicant must be between the ages of 23-35 years old.

The scope of contemporary choreography will encompass the innovative approaches in the realization and use of original, experimental or hybridize contemporary movement vocabulary and ideas towards a dance choreographic vision and creation. The practice encourages integration of new media, collaborative or other interdisciplinary approaches to support and build dance. Choreographic topics may capture relevant issues within or recognizes issues of cultural significance related to our current times such as those pertaining to social, political, race, or gender identity.

Application Deadline:

May 31, 2024 5PM- PST

Submission via email to aetchoreographyaward@gmail.com
Incomplete and late applicants failing to meet deadline will not be adjudicated.

Application Requirements:

1 page letter of intent addressed to Alvin Erasga Tolentino outlining:

• the importance of choreography and

• use of the award to the applicant

Biography or CV, 2 pages maximum.

Support material:

• Must be a Youtube or Vimeo link

• past or current contemporary choreographic work

• 10-20 minutes maximum in length

How to label your support material:

• Date created and/or performed

• name of work

• theme or short description

• name of performer if someone other than yourself

All submissions must be in English.

No late submissions will be accepted.

Assessment criteria for adjudication:

All completed applications will be accepted and assessed on the basis of calibre of work and demonstrated ability.

A senior Filipino dance artist who has made a significant contribution in the field of contemporary dance in the Philippines will be appointed to select the final AET Choreography Awardee.

About Alvin Erasga Tolentino

Born in the Philippines, Alvin Erasga Tolentino contributes close to three decades in his dedication and empowerment in the field of contemporary dance globally while based in Canada’s West Coast in Vancouver. An international dance artist, he is the founder and artistic director of Co.ERASGA dance now in its 20th season. Tolentino’s body of works has been hailed and recognize at home and international for it’s visionary and unique contemporary dance originality. His hybrid choreographic approaches has been link to his Asian cultural heritages, the juxtapose of the East and West aesthetics and ideas. He has challenge and empowered politics of gender, identity and his multi- disciplinary collaborations in different media. Critically acclaimed works as SOLA, Field, Orientik/Portrait, PARADISE/Paradis, EXpose, Colonial, Shifting Geography among others has reached four continents in the span of his prolific artistic endavours.

Support the AET Koreograpiya Award

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to support the development and growth of this award. Should you wish to make contribution, inquire and support the performing arts focus towards the development of contemporary choreographic dance and Filipino dance artists, please send your inquiry to aetchoreographyaward@gmail.com.