Eugene "Gino" Ong

MA Arts Pedagogy and Practice

2025

Gino has always been captivated by movement—whether internal or external—as a means to spark wonder, inspire reflection or simply get people dancing.

With a dynamic career spanning the creative and performing arts, Gino has published a photography journal, produced compelling concept videos and staged full-scale concerts that blend storytelling with physical expression. As an artistic director, fitness dance instructor, freelance host and choreographer, he brings vision and vitality to every project.

Gino has also served as a special projects coordinator and programmes coordinator—roles that highlight his strengths in creative leadership and meaningful community engagement. Continuously exploring new ways to connect people through movement, media and shared experiences, Gino remains passionate about making art that moves both body and spirit.

https://instagram.com/ginoong_

ong.gino@gmail.com

Thesis abstract

Philippines' dance higher education: Discourse, practice and policy innovation

Despite global recognition of the creative sector’s economic value, dance remains underrepresented in cultural and economic policy discourse in developing contexts, including the Philippines. This qualitative study investigates the systemic economic, cultural, and educational factors shaping the visibility, credibility and sustainability of dance as a profession.

Guided by four research questions, it examines how Filipino dance practitioners navigate between creative and non-creative sectors, the institutional responsibilities in affirming the value of dance, as well as strategies for long-term professional viability. Data was drawn from literature review, policy analysis and practitioner narratives, revealing that dance is not inherently less viable than other disciplines but is constrained by high taxation, limited funding, absent compensation standards and mismatched institutional performance metrics.

Cultural challenges include the persistent misrepresentation of dance in media, the undervaluation of indigenous forms and the dominance of foreign influences, while educational gaps involve fragmented curricula, insufficient industry integration and limited accreditation pathways. The study underscores the potential of higher education institutions, in collaboration with cultural and economic governing bodies, to foster workforce readiness, equitable compensation structures, and policy reforms that enhance the dance sector’s role within the national creative economy.

These findings contribute to broader discourse on cultural policy, creative labor valuation and curriculum development, offering pathways toward a more equitable and sustainable dance ecosystem in the Philippines.

School of Creative
Industries

Eugene "Gino" Ong

Work

Thesis abstract

Work experience