May 9, 2021

Science: Doctor Dancer | Filomar Cortezano Tariao

Science: Doctor Dancer | Filomar Cortezano Tariao

What do doctors and dancers have in common? They both apply the human body as main instruments! Yes, medical expertise can benefit dancer wellbeing in a multitude of ways, but you obviously need an actual doctor present for that. Dr. Filomar Cortezano Tariao is a Senior Lecturer of Dance at NAFA and a licensed physician whose mission is to raise awareness for dancer health through the lens of inclusivity and diversity. 

Kicking off the month of Dance Wellness, this episode introduces the similarities and differences between the medical and arts industries. We already have doctors who can dance, so here's a call for more doctor dancers!  


Soundtrack: Birds - Tyler Twombly

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Filormar Cortezano Tariao Profile Photo

Filormar Cortezano Tariao

Senior Lecturer, Licensed Physician

Dr Fil, as he is fondly called by his students, was recently seen essaying the role of Shakespeare in the Asa Palomera's The Curious Lives of Shakespeare and Cervantes. His professional career in Dance and the Performing Arts spans 18 years globally. In 2013, his choreography Lakbay Rama won 1st place accolades in Dance Theatre, Folk Dance and Audience's Vote at the Prague International Dance Festival. His local choreographic credits include: Jungle Book, Romeo & Juliet, Midsummer Night's Dream, Esplanade Dance Festival 2012, 12th Night, Pinocchio, Jack & The Beanstalk, La Traviata, Annie, Santa Claus The Musical, HONK!, and Just So, Alice in Wonderland. He has choreographed for Singapore Repertory Theatre, Singapore Lyric Opera, Marina Bay Sands, Chingay (2006 - 2008), Youth Olympic Games (Singapore), ACSian Theatre, InDancity, and the SAF Music & Drama Company.

His commissioned ballet, A Message of Peace, performed in front of His Excellency President S.R. Nathan for the New York State Bar Association Gala, was met with standing ovations. Dancing for the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Company Chicago, Fil has performed for Chicago Dance Masters Association, Dance Chicago, The International Jazz Congress, at the Merle Reskin, Athenaeum & Daley Center. Fil has worked with international choreographers such as Randy Duncan, Jon Lehrer, Davis Robertson (Joffrey Ballet), Eddy Ocampo, Natalie Weir and Csaba Buday.

In Manila, Fil joined Ballet Philippines in Darna and taught the company in De La Salle University thereafter. As an actor… Read More

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