It’s hard to choose which award to mention first among Patrick Alcedo’s long list of exceptional achievements in the arts.
Alcedo is not only a Filipino filmmaker, dance professor and department chair at York University—the first person of colour to hold the chair position in the Dance department’s 50-year history—but also one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants in 2022.
His career was “catapulted” when he received the Rockefeller Humanities Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
“Ako lang from Southeast Asia ang napili,” (I was the only one chosen from Southeast Asia.) Alcedo said.
He’s also an accomplished filmmaker, creating award-winning films such as A Piece of Paradise and Dancing Manilenyos.
However, he admits he’s most proud of becoming a full professor at York University.
“(But) more than that, (it was when) I got the President’s university-wide Teaching Award at York University.”
Falling in love with dance
Alcedo’s love for dancing started when he was young.
“I’ve always danced as a kid.”
Alcedo said he saw the Filipiniana Dance Troupe at a freshman orientation and was “so impressed”.
“I joined them kasi (because) the group was very professional. (The group performed) Cordillera dances, Muslim dances, lowland Christian dances (such as) tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw.”
The dance troupe was composed of only eight boys and nine girls.
“Hasang-hasa talaga kami. (We were trained well). We have to do all those dances,” Alcedo said. He performed with the group in France and Germany.
Journey to Canada
Before he left for the United States, Alcedo taught at the University of the Philippines for two years—he was invited to the faculty before he received his Bachelor’s degree in English.
He finished his PhD in Dance History and Theory from the University of California Riverside and was offered a scholarship for his post-doctoral studies.
Alcedo came to Canada in 2008 after living in the United States for 12 years.
After applying to York University in Toronto, Ont., Alcedo was accepted over 40 other applicants from all over the world in 2007.
He was hired to work at the university to teach PhD classes in Dance studies, graduate seminars in dance ethnography, a Masters course in research methods, and an undergrad course in dance studies.
“I’m really a studies professor. I am a performer, not a choreographer…more of a dance researcher.”
Secret to success
When asked if he has any advice to aspiring Filipino dance academics, Alcedo has this to say:
“The reason why I was able to enter this world is because I did my graduate studies in the U.S. It’s the key.”
“If they’re really serious about becoming an academic, they need to do graduate studies in an institution where the graduate work is going to be part of their qualification.”
Good teaching skills is also important, he added.
“Without (graduate studies) it is impossible. You won’t even be considered. While you are applying, you should already start building a teaching profile.”
As for those wanting to pursue a career in dance, he recommends the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and a solid ballet training from a reputable school such as the National Ballet of Canada.
“Importante very versatile ka. (What’s important is your versatility.) They really have to be very strong—importante me training ka, (it’s important you have training), understanding ng ballet, and modern contemporary dance.”
“I hope ma-inspire ko sila,” Alcedo said.
