Macho Dancer

The lights dimmed in the intimate space that is the Nexus Arts Theatre and we were suddenly hushed to the dominating beat of boots on a bare stage. The rhythmic stark pulsing set the scene for Eisa Jocson to burst onto the stage in smoky show lighting to commence her dominating exploration of the Macho Dance. The mood is powerful, the music strong- Metallica’s “Devil Dance”- very appropriate to the message.

This form of dance is usually the domain of young Filipino men in Manila, where seductive movement to ballad without props or real costumes is performed. Jocson explores all aspects of this style whilst at the same time making social comment on a performance that “employs masculinity as body capital.”

Jocson’s talent as a dancer and fluidity of movement is mesmerising, but at the same time quite confronting. She mixes gender - spending much of the performance topless (and dripping with perspiration; such is her physical exertion). Later in the dance she returns to the stage with a phallus as part of her body.  This conversion from being a woman to being a ‘man’ and the ability for her to inhabit both domains is intriguing. Her movement is sensuous – like a female pole dancer, but she displays many masculine qualities and great physical strength. We are shown the fine line between female and male though her erotic sensual dance and raw strength.

During the performance Jocson leaves the performance space and wanders through the audience. Tables are turned as we suddenly become accountable for our voyeurism and are thrust into the light, with her as the spectator.

Lighting by Jan Maertens is strong and evocative and the choices of music by Lina Lapelyte perfect to purvey the messages. Eisa Jocson is a talented lady - a dancer, choreographer and visual artist, whose performance in Macho Dancer is certainly challenging, but at the same time extremely riveting to watch.

Shelley Hampton

Photographer: Giannina Ottiker.