Profile: Chester Lopez - In His Silence...

"The Dancer believes that his art has something to say which cannot be expressed in words or in any other way than by dancing... there are times when the simple dignity of movement can fulfill the function of a volume of words. There are movements which impinge upon the nerves with a strength that is incomparable, for movement has power to stir the senses and emotions, unique in itself. This is the dancer's justification for being, and his reason for searching further for deeper aspects of his art."

- Doris Humphrey

He was silent, often silent – pursed lips, attentive eyes, body still. And then it was his turn to move. He spoke a language not everyone could speak but almost everyone understood. Chester Lopez was one who was minimal with words but his dancing was full of heart, speaking what one couldn’t say, what words couldn’t express.

He, at first was competition; we were both fighting for a slot in a dance group way back in college. Seeing him move and how people were drawn to him, I knew the slot was his. His training and background in dance, being one of the scholars of the Philippine High School for the Arts, the power of his movements, his great confidence and deep passion, all these claimed “the spot is mine”. And with all humility, I knew it was his, everyone knew he was in.

Doors open in ways one can never imagine, but can only be grateful for; we, together with several other dancers were offered a slot into the group. I spent four years seeing him grow and mature as a dancer - it wasn't just his movements that spoke, his look, his breathing, it said something, something words couldn't express. He shared his soul and spoke to yours, finding a way for each to communicate. More people were drawn to him, drawn to his dancing, to his art. He transformed into an artist and in his journey, he searched further into the deeper aspects of the craft. And in his search, he found himself in the place that he once was.; no longer a dancer, no longer one that was silent with pursed lips and attentive eyes. He continued to speak in a language only a few can but almost every one could understand – he explored the art of choreography.

I watched him as he instructed, as he transformed his vision into movements, into dance, and into art. He was no longer silent. He spoke words that encouraged dancers to search deeper into their souls, to speak what they couldn’t in words. I see his path. I see where the wind is leading him. And my prayer is simple; may he embrace his new role with courage and love, that he may also mentor a boy with pursed lips, attentive eyes and body still. One that would express what words couldn't. May he raise up new generation of dancers, of artists. One that could be the next Chester Lopez. And knowing his generosity, he would want to raise up one far greater than him.

Despite great leaps in his career, Chester still knows how to keep his feet on the ground. Am just so proud of what he has become!