Award-winning dance company comes to Winnipeg to share 'heart and soul' of Philippines

Choreographer Douglas Nierras wants people to take a closer look at the Filipino experience through contemporary dance.

"Everyone knows if they go to a Filipinocelebration, they willalways see traditional dances. I've done that, butI would like the community to feel what it is like to live now, how the Filipino reacts to tragedy, to joy, to love, and even politics."

Nierrasis the choreographer and director ofDouglas Nierras Powerdance, adance company from the Philippines thatis currentlytouring across the U.S. and Canada.

The company's show, Dances of Filipino Heart and Soul, comes to WinnipegSaturday night, with a performance at the Maples Collegiate.

Nierras's company is well known in the Philippines, and has won international awards. That'swhy the Philippine Canadian Arts Society of Manitobawanted to bring them to Winnipeg, says society directorDante Aviso.

"It's the premier dance group in the Phillippines," saidAviso, adding the collectivefits perfectly with his group'smandate.

"We would like to showcase the Filipino talent in all its different forms, be it music, dance, arts and culture."

For 30 years, Nierras has shared his love of dancebut his biggest focus, he says, was giving back the struggling young people he saw on the streets of Quezon City in the Philippines.

"It's my priority to train underprivileged children to be able to make them professional dancers, teachers and choreographers," Nierras said.

"I audition kids who are interested in dance. I train them for years, if needed,so that they can become practising professionals."

Joshua Obasido, 19, is one of those dancers. He lived in one of the poorest areas of Quezon City before he discovered dance and Nierras's company.

"It's awesome because I can't afford to travel on my own but Douglas Nierrasgives me opportunitiesfor all these experiences and to learn everything," says Obasido.

Tickets for the Powerdance performance, which begins at 7 p.m.,are$40 and will be available at the door or by contacting 204-698-3198.

People are alsoencouraged to bring donations to the show to help support the dance company's outreach efforts, and to help fund future events through the Philippine Canadian Arts Society of Manitoba.