To mark its 20th year of artistic pursuits, the Project DP will stage the original interdisciplinary full-length ballet entitled Oratio. It was conceived as both a celebration and a solemn reflection in observance of Holy Week 2026. It brings together faith, movement, music, and visual expression in one transformative performance.
It will be staged at St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Scholastica’s College Manila, on March 14, 2026, 6:30 pm. Before this, excerpts will be staged on Feb. 24, 2026, 6:30 pm, at the Ayala Museum Function Room 1.
Oratio is an interdisciplinary modern–contemporary ballet of all-original creative elements— libretto and direction, choreography, visual art, and stage art installation with lighting design. Classical music, opera, and contemporary compositions are woven into a unique artistic language meant to speak to the soul.
The production features the Pulling Technique, an original modern-contemporary dance technique and the first of its kind in the country.
The artworks in Oratio depict not only images, but are also vehicles to transmit peace and faith in today’s turbulent world. Pushing the limits of realism, the visuals serve as fertile ground for the exploring eye.
The stage installation is designed to represent the Triune God, His Word, and His promise, an immersive, visual, and interactive journey of faith, reflection, and engagement.
Oratio unfolds as a painting in motion—a spiritual journey expressed through dance. It traces the believer’s cyclical path of redemption, struggle, surrender, and renewal, where every gesture becomes both prayer and praise. The stage transforms into a living canvas—each movement a stroke of faith, doubt, and grace woven together in divine rhythm.
The Project DP, formerly known as The Dancepull Project, was founded in 2006 as an independent dance company, and is recognized as one of the Philippines’ leading and most progressive modern–contemporary dance companies. Renowned for its distinctive and original Pulling Technique—the first modern–contemporary dance technique developed in the Philippines—the company has established a powerful and unmistakable artistic identity.
The Project DP continues to make its mark on both local and international dance scenes. The company has performed in the Philippines and abroad, winning critical acclaim and awards in international choreographers’ competitions.
Beyond performance, The Project DP is known for creating full-length ballet works that merge classical discipline with modern-contemporary expression. Under artistic director Razel Mitchao and associate artistic director Akira Arrieta Abao, both leading modern–contemporary dance masters and international ballet competition jurors in contemporary dance, the company continues its artistic pursuits.
Committed to the growth of the Philippine ballet and modern–contemporary dance community, The Project DP develops works and programs that serve as platforms for training, research, and performance. These initiatives include the C-MAP (Composition and Movement Analysis Program) for choreographers and dance educators, C-MAP Choreographers’ Festival Internationale, The Pulling Technique National Dance Workshop Series and Dance Educators’ Course, and GAZDANZA International Ballet and Modern-Contemporary Dance Intensive.
