28 - 30 july 2021
Nanyang academy of fine arts
Nanyang academy of fine arts
Day 1Wednesday 28 July 2021, 16:00
The highly contagious Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that began in late 2019 has greatly affected education globally, especially for learning skills that require human contact and constant practice in order to achieve competency. Similar to the rest of the world, the closure of theaters and suspension of school activities in Singapore have particularly impacted the dance and performing arts academies. As economies around the world gradually open up, performance-based colleges must find ways to provide a safe and sustainable environment while adhering to public health guidelines during a pandemic. Rethinking the way we learn and the way we teach is imperative in the post pandemic educational system. This presentation explores the challenges on dancer's mental well-being and artistic expression during the pandemic, while, at the same time offering solutions for these issues that arise during the health crisis.
Dr. Fil, as he is fondly called by his students, is the incumbent president of the World Dance Alliance Singapore and is presently collaborating with the Ministry of Education to delivering Dance Safety courses to its continuing education constituents. He has been professionally performing, teaching and choreographing internationally for the past 25 years. He received his Certificate in Adult Learning from Singapore University of Social Sciences in 2021 and his post-graduate Diploma on Higher Education from Nanyang Technological University in 2020. He is a fully certified Stott Pilates instructor, and is also full-scholar Modern Dance alumnus of the Kong Academy of Performing Arts. He is a licensed physician and medical doctor leading the Dance Sciences and Dance Supplementary Practices Module of the Dance Programme at NAFA.
As an industry artist, he has danced for international companies, namely: Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Company (USA); Filipiniana Dance Company (Europe tour); Ballet Philippines, Powerdance and Repertory Philippines. His current original works examine themes of inclusivity and diversity - issues which he believes education must tackle more deeply during these challenging times.