Move to Change Dance Festival
New York, NY, USA - November 4th, 2023
Move to Change Dance Festival by MODArts Dance Collective
Performer: Mario Matias
Tittle of piece performed: I Am
Goal of the piece
My biggest goal for this piece is to bring awareness of the topics and themes that play a big role in my art. One of them is the theme of intersectionality; the identity of being Queer, Filipino, Igorot (Filipino-Indigenous) and Christian.
Unfortunately, stories of queer individuals hiding important parts of themselves to assimilate to societal and religious expectations are nothing new or unique. Many queer-identifying folks, who come from a religious background, have to do the gruelling work of deconstructing their beliefs—specifically the ones that taught them to hate themselves. I have been fortunate enough to find a community on a similar journey of deconstructing their religion. Self-identifying Queer Christians are ostracized from the Queer community for their Christian beliefs and they are also ostracized from the Christian community for simply existing. On top of that, many Queer POC face additional ostracization from their respective cultural communities, as there is an even bigger stigma regarding LGBTQIA2S+ identities.
The significance of my performance
After my performance, it was important for me to speak about the significance of my presence at the festival, as an Igorot-Filipino.
The purpose of Move to Change is to use dance as a form of social justice and arts activism through the lens of BIPOC choreographers and dance filmmakers. The goal of Move to Change is to create cultural and gender-affirming spaces for artists of colour (African, Latina/o/x, Asian, Arab, Native American [ALAANA]), MENA (Middle East & North Africa), & SWANA (South West Asia & North Africa) to educate, empower, and illuminate issues that reflects their histories and cultures through their unique and rich movement aesthetics.
(read more below)
Honouring my ancestors
In 1905, my ancestors were brought to New York to be displayed in the human zoos of Coney Island. The Igorot and other indigenous cultures from around the world were displayed here. Along with sharing my story through dance and movement, it was important for me to speak to the audience about what happened to my people in 1905. By sharing the story of my ancestors, I hope to bring awareness and advocacy for my people.
My purpose was not to speak on behalf of the Igorots who were brought to Coney Island in 1905, or for all Igorots today. Still, by being present at Move to Change, I continue my journey of reclaiming my identity from shame and hate.
It was a moment of personal healing for me. Unlike my ancestors who were brought here (New York City) over 100 years ago to be dehumanized and seen as savages; I get to perform at Move to Change Dance Festival as an artist, where I am seen and celebrated.
Photos:
@alexander.n.sargent Alexander Sargent
Why I will continue to do the work
Sharing my story gives power and a voice to many of the intersecting identities and communities I am a part of. It gives power by bringing awareness to these identities; because all around the world, those who identify as Queer and Indigenous face discrimination and are marginalized in their respective societies. Presenting at Move To Change, my story’s voice grows louder—telling the world that these kinds of stories matter (my story matters), they need to be shared, and they have the same value as every other story.
More on Move to Change
For more information on Move to Change Dance Festival and MODArts Dance Collective, you can visit their website: modartsdance.com/move-to-change