The Directors

RAZEL MITCHAO

artistic director / choreographer

Razel Mitchao is a Filipino modern-contemporary dance artist and choreographer, formerly the Associate Artistic Director of The Project DP.

Guided by the vision of her mentor, Dwight Rodrigazo, she continues to support the growth of the company through performance, choreography, and mentorship.

she currently serves as Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer of The Project DP, Artistic Director of the C-MAP Program and its international festival, and Co-founder and Artistic Director of GAZDANZA International Ballet and Modern-Contemporary Dance Intensive. She also conducts workshops nationwide and teaches Composition and Movement Analysis.

Mitchao is a co-author of the Pulling Technique, the Philippines’ first modern-contemporary dance technique developed by Rodrigazo. Her choreographic works have been presented locally and internationally, receiving recognition and invitations to participate in international dance events, including serving as a juror at the World Ballet and Dance Grand Prix – Mongolia 2024. Through her work, she remains committed to creating, performing, and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of dancers.

In 2015, Razel Mitchao created La elle sen’ va, which received the Encouragement Award at the Yokohama Dance Collection EX International Choreographers Competition in Yokohama, Japan. She mounted her first full-length work in 2016, which toured nationally.

Her choreographic works and performances with The Project DP have been presented in major productions and festivals including Ballet Philippines Blue Moon Gala, Dance Manila, Neo-Filipino, Wi-fi Body, and Pulso Filipinas at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, as well as the 2017 ASEAN Summit Gala, C-MAP Choreographers' Festival Internationale, Asian Grand Prix in Hong Kong, Yokohama Dance Collection EX Contemporary Dance Showcase in Japan, and the Korea-Duo International Festival in Seoul, South Korea.

She also choreographed award-winning pieces including Dei Gratia (God’s Grace) at the **Youth America Grand Prix Philippines 2022 and La Mia Preghiera (My Prayer) at the **World Ballet and Dance Grand Prix 2024 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

AKIRA ARRIETA ABAO

associate artistic director / choreographer

Akira Lydia Abao is a Filipino performing artist and Associate Artistic Director of The Project DP, an independent dance company known for its contributions to the Philippine dance scene. Together with senior co-artist Razel Mitchao, she continues the artistic vision of the company’s founder, Dwight Rodrigazo, through performance, choreography, and training.

Abao is a classical and contemporary dancer, choreographer, and educator. She received 2nd place in both Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines National Ballet Competition 2018. She also represented the Philippines in La elle sen’ va, which received the Encouragement Award at the Yokohama Dance Collection EX – International Choreographers Competition in Japan.

She has performed in productions and festivals locally and abroad, including events at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the ASEAN Summit Gala 2017, the Asian Grand Prix in Hong Kong, Yokohama Dance EX, and the Korea-Duo International Festival. In 2024, she was invited as a guest contemporary dance master at the World Ballet and Dance Grand Prix in Mongolia.

In 2019, she premiered her choreographic work In Extremis at the C-MAP Choreographers’ Festival Internationale. She currently serves as Associate Artistic Director of the C-MAP Program, Artistic Director of DP Ballet, and Co-founder and Associate Artistic Director of GAZDANZA International Ballet and Modern-Contemporary Dance Intensive. She is also a co-author of the Pulling Technique, the Philippines’ first modern-contemporary dance technique.

DWIGHT RODRIGAZO

founder

Dwight Rodrigazo stands as one of the important visionary figures in contemporary Philippine dance. As the founder of The Project DP in 2006, Rodrigazo helped redefine the landscape of Filipino modern-contemporary dance through fearless artistic experimentation, technical innovation, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing young Filipino artists. What began as The Dancepull Project evolved into one of the country’s most respected independent dance companies, recognized for its distinct artistic voice and its pioneering “Pulling Technique,” which has become synonymous with the company’s identity.

Rodrigazo’s legacy lies not only in the works he created, but in the movement he inspired within Philippine dance. Through his vision, The Project DP emerged as a platform where classical ballet discipline and modern-contemporary expression could coexist and thrive. He cultivated an environment that encouraged dancers to move beyond convention, creating works that were emotionally resonant, technically demanding, and globally competitive. His influence elevated Filipino contemporary dance onto international stages, proving that Philippine artistry could stand proudly alongside the world’s best.

Under his guidance, the company earned recognition both locally and abroad, captivating audiences with daring choreography and innovative performances. More importantly, Rodrigazo laid the foundation for a culture of excellence that continues to flourish through his protégés, Razel Mitchao and Akira Arrieta Abao, who now carry forward his artistic mission. Their achievements in prestigious international competitions and choreography platforms are a testament to the enduring strength of Rodrigazo’s mentorship and artistic philosophy.

Beyond the stage, Rodrigazo’s impact on Philippine dance education remains profound through DP Ballet. Through the school, he championed rigorous training while nurturing individuality and creativity among young dancers. His dedication to developing Filipino talent contributed to historic achievements, including the first Filipino Grand Prix winner at the Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition in Hong Kong in 2015. Today, DP Ballet students continue to excel in major national and international competitions, carrying with them the values of discipline, artistry, and innovation that Rodrigazo instilled.

Dwight Rodrigazo’s legacy is deeply woven into the evolving narrative of Philippine dance. He empowered a generation of Filipino artists to dream beyond borders while remaining rooted in their cultural identity and artistic integrity. Through The Project DP, his vision continues to inspire bold creation, artistic independence, and the pursuit of excellence. His contributions helped strengthen and unify the Philippine ballet and modern-contemporary dance community, ensuring that future generations of Filipino dancers and choreographers will continue to rise, create, and transform the global dance stage.