Dance on, Young JV!

For decades, singing has always taken precedent over dancing as an art form in Philippine pop culture. The biggest stars in the local industry, from Nora Aunor to Regine Velasquez and now, Sarah Geronimo, were able to break into the scene via their vocal prowess.

Not many dancers in the recent past have made it as big as these stars — not because there’s a dearth of them — but because more Filipinos would rather go to a karaoke bar than hit the dance floor. It’s all about relatability.

But times are changing. These days, groups such as Jabbawockeez, with its Filipino members, and Philippine All-Stars, are getting their fair share of attention.

Why, even in A.S.A.P. XV, entertainers who have never danced on cam before are showing off their terpsichorean skills (or the lack of it!). Then of course, there’s Rayver Cruz, John Prats, Kim Chiu, Shaina Magdayao, Gerald Anderson... a whole galaxy of talented celebrity dancers.

Hip-hop and R&B sensation Young JV is aware of the buzz surrounding dancing. Before the dancing fever completely takes off, he catches the bandwagon in time to incorporate dancing into his act by launching the Young JV’s Ready Or Not: Dance Off, a nationwide multimedia competition whose winners will form his new dance crew.

The dance competition will have aspiring groups recreate and step up the choreography from his latest dance single and music video, Shake Shake. Some 32 “crews” will have to exhibit competence, professionalism, team effort and creativity to stand out during the four elimination events to be held at select SM Super malls in June.

From these, 12 groups will be selected for the grand finals. The grand winner will receive P50,000 plus a chance to perform with Young JV in all his TV guestings and live shows, and in his forthcoming video for his next single, Can’t Get Enough.

Way before he consolidates his dance group, however, Young JV has already been honing his dancing skills by training under Arnel Serrano of Philippine All-Stars. He also gets to shake his booty as a member of A-Pop, a group on A.S.A.P. XV that sings mostly danceable tunes on the show every week.

Aside from having the prestige of becoming a member of Young JV’s Dance Crew, aspiring dancers should consider joining the contest for the opportunity to raise funds for the singers’ charity, The Lahing Bayani Foundation. Proceeds from the event will go to the foundation which helps support the education of orphans of soldiers who gave their lives in active service.

This is so typical of Young JV. He can turn something fun into one that’s far-reaching in terms of affecting people’s lives.

So, dance on, Soulja Boy. We’re right in step with you.

Amelia’s tale of love

Chito Roño directs Emir, the musical. It tells the story of a nanny, Amelia, a Filipina from Ilocos who decides to work abroad to help her family. She takes care of the Sheik’s wife who is about to give birth, and later acts as the yaya (nanny) to the newly born, Ahmed — the Sheik’s eldest son. Amelia sees Ahmed growing up, and in the process, introduces him to the culture, values and language of the Philippines. She becomes a mother to the young prince and ultimately sacrifices everything to protect him. Inspired by true events — the gulf war and an actual meeting with a crowned prince who surprisingly speaks fluent Tagalog and Ilocano — the story of Emir is an inspirational one, revealing the triumphant and resilient side of being an OFW.

The cast is headed by Are you the Next Big Star sensation, Frencheska Farr. Joining her are Sid Lucero, Julia Clarete, Jhong Hilario, Dulce, Bayang Barrios, Bodjie Pascua, Gigi Escalante, Beverly Salviejo, Liesl Batucan, Melanie Dujunco and Kalila Aguilos.

Emir has been shooting on location in Ilocos Norte, Ifugao Province and the Moroccan cities of Marrakech, Ourzazate and Essaouira. The movie will be released in the summer of 2010.