Donuts and coffee with Joseph Gatti

Joseph Gatti

I confess that it was Adiarys Almeida who first came to mind when I first learned even before Ballet Philippines’ 48^th season started that Joseph Gatti will be the guest dancer for the company’s season ender Don Quixote. I’ve spent countless minutes, hours probably, watching online videos of Adiarys and Joseph’s dancing together and I had to contain myself knowing that half of the duo would be here soon.

Several months later and after BP’s productions of A Gala Celebration, The Exemplars: Amada and Other Dances, and The Nutcracker, that soon finally came and I was very fortunate to be invited for an intimate chat with Joseph over some donuts and coffee at Dance Studio of the Cultural Center of the Philippines while all the Pasinaya craziness was ongoing all around the building.

There is something satisfying in having a glimpse of the artists, knowing more about their thought process and getting some insight about how they work. And even though they may not be necessary, having all these just makes me appreciate their performance on stage a lot more.

Alice Reyes, Joseph Gatti, and Adam Sage

One thing I learned about Joseph that he owes a lot to Adam Sage, currently the Associate Artistic Director and Ballet Master of Ballet Philippines and also the regisseur of this production of Don Quixote. Years ago, Adam gave Joseph some pointers and the latter, in gratitude, told the former that he would never forget that moment for the rest of his life. And it is because of Adam that made Joseph dancing here a possibility.

BP’s Artistic Director and National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes pointed out that while Joseph can do the impressive turns, leaps, and other tricks, he is not just about the tricks. She pointed out to the company to watch Joseph’s feet while not doing the tricks. Characterization and the steps that come in between the tricks, although not that flashy, are equally important as well.

Rhea Bautista, Joseph Gatti, Alice Reyes, and Adam Sage

It was funny when Rhea Bautista, BP's Publicity Head, told the story on how it was the guys who got all giddy when Joseph arrived. Interesting also to note that it’s the camaraderie in the company that made it easier for him to work with BP. As a freelance artist, he comes to a company cold and I can only imagine the challenges different personalities and cultures can pose for a guest artist.

Probably the best takeaway that I got from this brief conversation with him is that being a freelance dancer, it takes a lot of discipline for him to stay in shape and on top form since he has no company that sets the schedule and the routine. And it’s this work ethic, discipline, and dedication to the craft that that is worth emulating even if I’m not a dancer.

All this just made me feel more excited to see Joseph perform and also the rest of Ballet Philippines who do seem to get all pumped up by his presence. For now, it’s back to watching videos of him and Adiarys.

Joseph Gatti performs with Candice Adea at the Gala Nights on February 9 & 10, 2018. Other performances featuring Victor Maguad and Jemima Reyes, and Ian Ocampo and Monica Gana will be on February 10-11, 17-18, 2018.