ALVIN ERASGA TOLENTINO BIO

Alvin Erasga Tolentino is one of the most active Asian/Canadian artists who Continues to provoke and fascinate Canada’s audiences, in addition to extending his talents on the international dance scene. An unpredictable contemporary performing artist, he is acclaimed for his insightful, hybrid performative works that are inspired by his exploration of identity and hybridity that juxtapose in his work to reveal the private and public territory. From 1989 to the present, Tolentino has worked as a choreographer, dancer, teacher, and a visual artist. He has received praise for his outstanding interpretations of some of Canada’s finest choreographers and dance companies: EDAM, Karen Jamieson Dance, Kinesis Dance, Kokoro Dance, Lola Dance, and Mascall Dance. In 2001, Tolentino founded Co. ERASGA and to date has created over fifteen solo works. His full-length works include SOLA in 1998, BATO/Stone and MINORI in 2001, VOLT in 2002, FIELD in 2003, and SHE SAID in 2005. His recent international touring includes Belgium, France, Croatia, USA, Philippines and Singapore. He is currently the 2004/05 Artist-in-residence at the Scotiabank Dance Centre in Vancouver.

Class Description

Alvin Erasga Tolentino's has taught contemporary dance classes and workshops nationally and abroad for over a decade. To name a few, York University, EDAM, Harbour Dance, The Goh Ballet, The Basel Academy of Music in Switzerland, Ballet Philippines and University of the Philippines in Manila. Tolentino focuses on th theories and hybridities of a performative body through an exploration of various technique through movement (fall and recovery), breath, focusing, stability and weight shifting. Tolentino share and uses his experiences in class from performance, multiple dance techniques, music, theatre, performance art, visual art and Asiatic roots to create a sense of freedom and play to convery"how the body can speak