Malaya Arguelles teaching Daloy Movement at The Box PG
THIS WOMEN'S MONTH, we are featuring powerful and inspiring women! Here is a short interview with Malaya Arguelles. She is one of our facilitators for our partnership with British School Manila this March. And will be part of "Nature Dances".
We asked Malaya Arguelles a series of questions about her thoughts and feelings as PLAY practitioner and teacher! Above is an old poster of her online workshop for AT HOME WITH DALOY. We are thrilled to perform with him at British School Manila this March, for a new Daloy physical theatre piece called
“Nature Dances”.
Q AND A with Malaya Arguelles,
one of our dance-facilitators for "Nature Dances":
What is your typical day like?
- I start my day with a short meditation to prime my mind. I then move on to my yoga practice and movement exploration which typically takes me an hour and a half. The middle part of my days is usually spent on two bouts of 4-hour deep work sessions where I do research, copywriting, meetings, or course designing. In between, I like to take play breaks with my cats or just daydream. At night, I spend a couple of hours studying the neuroscience of learning and coaching.
Malaya is the founder of Playshop, a safe and creative venue for kids and kids-at-heart to explore “play” as an active tool for learning, personal development, creative explorations, and building meaningful relationships.
What makes you excited about this March project of Daloy with British School Manila?
- I’m excited to come back and play with the students of BSM, this time in person!
This upcoming BSM project, is something that Daloy Founder and Director Ea Torrado
describes as “nature-reverent”. What do you feel about this?
- Our bodies are our most immediate and intimate connection to nature. I find that the more I grow aware of my body, the more I deepen my connection and develop my empathy to my surroundings.
You were part of the first cohort of teachers trained as Daloy Movement Facilitators
in January 2020, what was that experience like for you?
- I had a great time moving through storytelling. Moving with youngsters for me always presents the good challenge of staying present and being authentic in what I share.
What is the most memorable Daloy production or workshop for you?
- Facilitating my first Daloy Movement Jam will always be a special memory for me.
I felt like a kid again, unbound and flying. :)
Malaya Arguelles teaching Daloy Movement at The Box PG
Here is another old poster with Malaya laughing gorgeously at the top of the collage of images! DALOY CHECK-IN was part of out online gatherings during the pandemic. Infusing lots fo play and laughter in our workshops and talks
You are interested in 'play' and using it for better mind-body connection, can you tell us more about this?
- The non-directive aspect of playfulness to me is a great way to describe the mind-body connection. Our movements are on some level influenced by what’s on our minds and vice versa. And, so we engage both.
Malay remains a kid-at-heart, and teaches 'play' as a tool for better mind-body connection
What is keeping you busy nowadays, personally and professionally?
- I’m excited to launch my little start-up company with the vision to revolutionize corporate training
through embodied learning experiences!
You will be one of the teachers for the Daloy x BSM Project, what are you most excited about this?
- Through teaching, I am also learning. I can’t wait to share and learn with the students of BSM.
What are you most passionate about as a teacher or facilitator?
What do you hope your students get out of a workshop or session you give?
- I live for aha moments and moments that take your breath away. Sometimes, it comes when I share my perspective with my students and I allow them to do the same. In a short movement workshop, I wish to have an energizing collaboration with my students and in the end, create something beautiful together.
What is the difference in Daloy’s process of creation compared to other companies you’ve worked with?
- It’s the sense of community and inclusivity that makes Daloy a special place.
The strength of Daloy is in the diversity of our backgrounds.
What are your dreams/s for contemporary dancers in the Philippines?
- I wish to see more platforms for dancers to showcase their work and get paid well. And that these platforms shine a light on how the art form can enrich the lives of individuals and communities.
What are your upcoming workshops or projects and how can we contact you, to work with you?
- Connect with me through Daloy or via my website at www.hlabssolutions.com
What are life lessons that being part of Daloy Dance Company even pre-pandemic had taught you?
- Just keep moving!
NAME: Malaya Arguelles
TITLE: Play enthusiast, movement explorer, Learning Consultant
AGE: 37
CITY WHERE YOU LIVE: Imus, Cavite
Short Profile:
Malaya Arguelles is the founder of The Playshop, a safe and creative venue for kids and kids-at-heart to explore “play” as an active tool for learning, personal development, creative explorations, and building meaningful relationships. She studied AB Psychology in university and is a corporate Learning and Development Specialist by trade with over 10 years of experience. As a movement facilitator with Daloy Dance Co, she crafts movement workshop experiences inspired by mythologies, indigenous ritual practices, nature, and free play. As of current, she is studying to earn her certificate as a Play Therapist with the Philippine Association for Child and Play Therapy. Complimentary to this, she runs a playschool in her beloved neighborhood catering to children from public schools and out of school youth.
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