For former Ballet Philippines choreographer and dancer NOVY BEREBER, there is no place like home! After years of experience as one of the pioneers instructors of Dance of Parkinson’s in Australia and his dream performance at the Sydney Opera House of The King and I with an Australian cast, he was thinking of semi-retirement.
However things changed when he saw a post on the opera house’s bulletin board: the Dance Teacher Workshop for Parkinson’s Disease (PD)! Thinking of dance, he said, “I want to do it!”
With support from his partner, Philippine-born Australian performer and creative director IGNATIUS JONES (Member of the Order of Australia), he pursued the mission. The two-week workshop changed his perception of life and appreciation of simple things. He is the first Filipino to teach in Dance for PD in Australia! This led to a further study in New York under the tutelage of DAVID LEVENTHAL, the man behind Dance for PD.
PD attacks people between the ages of 50 and 69. Called a shaking palsy, is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination.
Beverly Rosales, Novy Bereber, Joji Rosales and Richel Gorriceta Sucgang
Merly Ajayi, Maritess Lim, Ria Sievert and Louie Cordova
Rightfully so, NOVY BEREBER brought Dance for PD to Iloilo City. Recently, he hosted a Sponsors’ Night at the historic Casa Real. The Modern Filipiniana inspired event was held to raise awareness of the disease and the dance!
In attendance were some of the most stylish personas in town who enjoyed the delightful cocktails and sumptuous five-course dinner prepared by Rustica by MIGUEL CORDOVA.
The night was also highlighted by performances by the young students of NOVY BEREBER.
In his interview with a national daily, he said, “Dance saved my life. That’s why it’s time for me to share and bring it back. Before I left the Philippines, I promised myself whatever I learn from abroad, I bring it back. I think this is the right to start.”
Welcome back home, NOVY!
Bo Parcon, Beverly Rosales, connie Lanceta, Maritess Lim Joji Rosales and Erriz Lanceta
Carmi David
Jor-El Espina, Maritess Lim, Jet Salcedo and Michael Gammelgaard
Novy Bereber and Miguel Cordova
The dance performance
The curtain call
The event’s menu
The event’s sumptuous dishes