Daloy Dance Company have always been interested in blending contemporary dance with powerful visual aesthetics. This year, we took it a step further with an extraordinary photoshoot that showcased our dancers in the stunning creations of Glorious Dias, under the art direction of its founder, Jodinand Aguilon. Shot on location at the historic First United Building, this project marked a new era for Daloy Dance Company.
The idea behind the 2024 photoshoot was to to merge the fluidity of dance, Daloy style, while highlighting the unique fashion statements of Glorious Dias. Jodinand, known for his expressive designs, brought a visionary approach to the project.
Before the pandemic, Daloy frequently collaborated with Jodinand through the FRINGE MNL Arts Festival and Pineapple Lab. His ongoing support for independent artists has been unwavering, fostering a vibrant creative community among us. As avid admirers of Jodinand and his vintage shop Glorious Dias, we always appreciated his dedication to promoting artistic expression and showcasing the beauty of Filipino culture through his work. Glorious Dias stands not just as a vintage store but as a testament to the richness of Filipino culture, weaving together history, style, and sustainability in a glorious celebration of the past and present.
Creating Work that is a Tribute to Filipino Heritage
He is dedicated to preserving vintage Filipiniana pieces, recognizing their historical and cultural significance. He believes these pieces should remain untouched to honor their heritage. Even unwearable Filipiniana clothes are salvaged, with Jodinand creating earrings from torn-up barongs to integrate Filipino culture into everyday life. His love for Filipino heritage stems from his diasporic background. After moving to Alberta, Canada, at a young age, he felt disconnected from his roots. Now based in Makati, he cherishes Filipino culture deeply and aims to address the reluctance towards secondhand and reworked clothing in the Philippines.
Glorious Dias started as a pop-up to offload costumes from various styling gigs. Over time, it evolved into a platform for reworked traditional wear, showcasing Jodinand's creativity and love for Filipino culture. His experience with folk dance as a child sparked his passion for expressing Filipino tradition through a contemporary lens, which is reflected in Glorious Dias’ offerings of reinterpreted vintage pieces.
Rework Ethos
Reworking items is seen by Jodinand as an inherent Filipino practice. He noticed that Filipinos often repurpose items, such as turning old t-shirts into rags. Inspired by this, he began creating new pieces from vintage bedsheets, pillowcases, and curtains, transforming them into pinafore tops and dasters (loose-fitting house dresses). He also draws inspiration from the traditional Filipino kimona, a short blouse with cap sleeves, incorporating similar design elements into his creations. Jodinand’s rework process aims to transform unique and durable fabrics into wearable, functional, and beautiful garments.
Jodinand attributes the hesitation towards secondhand items to Filipinos' affinity for new things, often brought by balikbayan boxes, and superstitious beliefs about unwanted energies in used items. However, he notes a shift in mindset among millennials and Generation Z, especially with the rise of reselling on Instagram. This new generation is more open to the sustainability and unique stories behind reworked clothing.
Behind-the-shoot
From the moment our dancers stepped into the studio at the historic First United Building, the energy was palpable. The vibrant colors and intricate details of Glorious Dias's outfits complemented the dynamic movements of our dancers, creating a visual feast for the camera. Each piece was meticulously chosen to enhance the dancers' performances, allowing their personalities and emotions to shine through.
Jodinand's direction was integral to the shoot. His keen eye for detail and his ability to connect with the dancers on an artistic level resulted in a series of breathtaking images. He encouraged the dancers to explore their boundaries, resulting in poses and expressions that were both raw and refined.
One of the highlights of the photoshoot was the sense of collaboration and creativity that permeated the room. Our dancers felt empowered by the freedom to experiment with their movements, while Jodinand's guidance ensured that each shot captured the essence of Daloy Dance Company’s ethos. The combination of dance and fashion created a narrative that was both compelling and visually striking.
The Outcome
The final photographs, captured by Meinard Navato and assisted by Joshua Navato, are a testament to the synergy between dance and fashion. They capture moments of grace, strength, and vulnerability, reflecting the core values of Daloy Dance Company. The images serve not only as a celebration of our art but also as an invitation to the audience to see dance through a new lens.
Daloy Dance Company's 2024 photoshoot with Glorious Dias was more than just a visual project; it was an exploration of artistic boundaries and a celebration of creative expression. Under the artful direction of Jodinand Aguilon, we were able to capture the essence of our company in a series of stunning images that will inspire and captivate.
Credits
Art Direction: Jodinand Aguilon
Photos: Meinard Navato, assisted by Joshua Navato
Venue: First United Building
BTS Video: Isaiah Omana
Dance Artists: Ea Torrado, Lunnelynn Darilay, Brain Abano, Freyja kapangyarihan, Clarissa Umali, Kim Clarete, Alfie Bones, Deborah Lemuel, Julienne Depatillo, Jomarie Cruz, CJ Aquino, Vreatriz Diche, Jovin Lazaro
Production Manager: Kai Santander
About Daloy Dance Company
Daloy Dance Company has been making waves in the Philippine dance scene since 2014. Recently nominated for Most Outstanding Contemporary Dance Group by the Philippine LEAF Awards in 2023, Daloy is known for their innovative approach to dance-making. Led by artistic director Ea Torrado, the group’s reach extends far beyond the Philippines, having performed and toured in festivals across Thailand, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the USA. Their versatility shines through in the wide range of dance styles they've showcased, from performances at Miss Universe PH to collaborations with Vogue Philippines, Jewelmer, and Bench Fashion Week, among many others.
Since its inception, Daloy has been recognized through prestigious nominations such as the Aliw Awards for Best Dance Company in 2018 and Best Contemporary Dance Company in 2017, and LEAF Awards Best Contemporary Dance Group in 2019 and 2023. Through a unique blend of dance theatre and performance, Daloy challenges the norms of contemporary dance, prompting audiences to both question and celebrate societal culture.
Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook for more behind-the-scenes content and updates on our upcoming performances, workshops, and collaborations. For workshops, events, and performances, DM us or check out at www.daloydancecompany.net or contact us at 09176207052 or daloydancecompany@gmail.com
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