DOUGLAS NIERRAS- THE KING OF MODERN PINOY DANCE

DOUGLAS NIERRAS' POWERDANCE TOURS CANADA AND THE USA 2019

“ A good dancer is not necessarily defined by great technique, skill, or ability to pick up choreography but by confidence. When you feel the music, it penetrates your soul. Everybody’s a dancer. The greatest dancer is someone who is willing to dance, not afraid.”  Alyssa Edwards

Afraid Douglas is not. For 3 decades he has been honing his dance and creative output. He is not afraid to blend technology with a live human component. He projects video clips in 3D format and he adds 4D synchronized dance movements. The dancer syncs with the motions in the film clips. He also employs aerial dancing techniques.

People wonder how Douglas creates his dance artistry and movements. He quips, “ I go through experiences and transform my thoughts into dance movements.”  Nierras continues, “When I lost my Dad, I created some dance moves to honour him.”

He taps Pinoy classic music, jazz, contemporary pop music to power his PowerDance group shows. Douglas’ PowerDance Group has performed in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia.

Nierras was asked to do a choreography in honour of Pope Paul ll. He was told, no indecent exposures. It has to be strictly PG 13. He wasn’t afraid to adjust his recipes to make his principals happy. At the Scotia Bank Dance Centre in Vancouver, DouglasNierras PowerDance Group (Dances of the Heart and Soul)  presented this  number that featured movements that culminated in a young male dancer going on top of  the mountain of bodies of the other dancers. He bowed and his movement was like he projected an image of a cross.

Douglas took up Speech Education and Theatre Arts at the University of the Philippines (Dilian Campus).

“Douglas Nierras (DG) is the quintessential choreographer,” declares no less the National Artist for dance Leonor Orosa Goquinco.

Marge Enriquez, a foremost art critic proclaims “ Nierras is the most important choreographer of the Century.”

DN has been installed in the Hall of Fame of the Aliw Awards after Douglas won the Aliw Awards for three consecutive years in 2001, 2001 and 2003.

On June 22, 2005, DN was awarded the “ Patnubay ng Sining KalinanganSayaw Award” during Araw ng Maynila (Manila Day).

The Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe in the US showcases the Black cultural and social fabric through their African-American ensemble. Ballet is at the forefront of their dancing technique. DN also taps ballet techniques  and incorporates modern and contemporary moves and inspirations in his dance to showcase the Pinoy social and cultural experiences. One of his dance numbers was inspired by the devastation of  his hometown Leyte suffered when Typhoon Haiyan struck.

Douglas helps kids and young adults from underprivileged families establish their dance potential under the Douglas Nierras PowerDance Group. Nierras believes in molding and producing teachers from his PowerDance Group. This is how to cement his legacy. This PowerDance Group is assured long after he is out of the picture, the DN PowerDance Group will be there for a long, long time. After 3 decades, Douglas Nierras, the King of Pinoy Dance  appears that he is just getting warmed up. Watch out world for more PowerDance!

Photos by Christian Cunanan- Vancouver's Premier Wedding and Events Photographer