Dance dance evolution

When you start recognizing the dancers not as backup of an artist but as actual artists themselves that is an integral part of the show, then something right is happening.

For the record-breaking “No Other Woman” concert tour, it is clear that the show belongs to the concert marquee holder Anne Curtis. But like a good support cast, the dancers took part in the sexy storytelling that took place. They teased the audience as much as Anne tempted them. There was provocation, a push and pull of energy from stage to screen. Something was pulling you in… a great force. A G-Force. From noon time to prime time, these dance denizens populate the boob tubes, making sure we get that does of groovin' whether it's with Vice Ganda, Sarah Geronimo, or Tito, Vic, and Joey.

Five, six, seven, eight... and the ascendance of dance continues to evolve from the classical and has evolved, stepped out of the shadows literally, and hopped up to become a cultural landmark of sorts. Put a big star with the wrong dancers and immediately the star lacks some sort of luster. Synergize the right dance combination and see the dramatic change — more than a kickball change, it becomes a flash of brilliance. And we all know that it is brilliance that makes anything shine.

Supreme took the time out to put on our dancing shoes, stepped it up with G-Force frontwoman Georcelle Dapat-Sy, “Teacher Georcelle” to most of her wards and the stars she works with, but only “Georcelle” to me — for I’ve seen her lead the revolution from artist to artist mentor, from activist and advocate to establishment. She also happens to be a dear friend from years back. I am extremely proud of what she has done and excited for all that she will continue to accomplish. Here we sit down with the dynamo, the dictator of dance, Georcelle.

SUPREME: How did G-Force come to be?

GEORCELLE DAPAT-SY: We didn’t expect that people would see our group becoming like a brand name. We just do what we love to do, with passion and dedication.

How did you come to pick the name?

It was with the help of Johnny Manahan. I requested him to help give us a name. We were kind of brainstorming about it, he said that it has to have my name. Then it became G-Force. G stands for Georcelle.

How did you start?

I auditioned dancers for a segment in ASAP. ASAP opened its door for a lot of opportunities for G-Force.

What were the challenges you encountered when you began as a group?

Dancing as a group was the ultimate challenge. All of my dancers came from different genres. Before G-force, I was with professional dancers. Everything was done in precision and they were fast learners. In 20 minutes, I can finish eight eights of combination. But when I started out with the G-force, eight eights for two hours! (Laughs) And the movements were all over, no control, no unity. I cannot help but cringe and realize that I was not yet in my “comfort zone,” in terms of handling dancers. That time, I needed to find a way for G-Force to not just “do” the steps that I was giving them but to dance the steps.

What was the focal point when you felt you were onto a breakthrough?

It actually happened in the year 2007. At that time we were very visible in the Philippine concert scene. It was also the time when I was chosen as the head choreographer and stage director of ASAP.  

What was instrumental to your success as a dance group?

It’s my experience. I myself am a dancer. It’s passion and dedication to my craft. I can say that I am lucky to have a partner who has the same passion as I have. His involvement balances whatever vision I have for G-Force. He (Angel Sy) is the one that handles the managerial side of the company. Plus the fact that all dancers of G-Force have the same passion and dedication as I have.

Who does the styling for your dancers?

Me. I believe that it is part of my job description as the artistic director of G-Force and that I know what I want for my company.

What standards do they have to maintain?

We maintain a very high standard. With dancing, it is a never-ending learning process. With looks, they always have to be at their best. When it comes to character, their best foot always has to be forward. Some of them don’t really have what it takes, they don’t survive in the group because it’s never about just dancing alone and it’s never about just good looks. It’s about the total package. And that total package includes attitude with a good personality. Our goal is to never bring down the quality of our every performance, and we believe that it requires hard work. That’s what we instill in the minds of our G-Force members: hard work and patience. Aspiring for instant success is just short-lived. That’s why I look more into a person with values because we don’t just work and end our work there. We go beyond dance.

Aside from skill, is style a must?

Not necessarily, especially when you are auditioning. You may come in baduy, but when I see potential, we hone it and that’s when the styling starts. I do not dictate your style. I bring out the best in you.

Five unforgettable G-Force moments?

1. Vina Morales’ concert, “Showgirl” — our first dance concert in Araneta Coliseum.

2. First endorsement featuring G-Force for Slenda.

3. Your Song — first acting job of G-Force.

4. “About Phase” (2009) and “Make Me Sweat” in 2012 (our own concert).

5. G-Force Project: Our dance workshop, on tour from 2008 to the present.

How do you intend to continue with your growth?

Regular classes. A never-ending learning process.

Is further training part of your day-to-day existence?

Yes, we try to broaden our horizons to different genres.

How can the dance industry in the Philippines improve?

I believe that it has already improved. Thanks to all forms of media and dance shows that showcase different genres of dance.

What is lacking and what should we do to help it grow even further?

I think what is lacking is the preservation of the Filipino’s own style of dance. Yes, there is a huge inspiration from foreign cultures but I still think we have to have our own.

Sources of inspiration?

A lot! When I travel I get to experience different cultures. Shows. Fashion magazines. People. Personalities, even junk shops.

Complete this sentence: “Dance is a very powerful expression because….”

It is an expression that will bring out an alter-ego you never knew you had.

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