The emerging dance theater company Mari Dance returns to the stage with the highly acclaimed production a dance in a day in a dance, running from May 16 to May 31, 2026 at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Areté. Led by multi awarded choreographer JM Cabling, the production revisits the raw and deeply human struggles dancers face in a highly competitive industry.

Originally premiered in October 2025, this powerful dance theater work explores artistic identity, ambition, frustration, and resilience. Audiences witness a choreographer grappling with creative blocks, dancers fighting for their place, and relationships tested by pressure. According to Erica Marquez Jacinto of ABS-CBN.com, Cabling’s choreography moves both artist and audience with its strong narrative core.

Reprising their roles are Al Garcia, Michael Barry Que, and Sarah Samaniego, joined by Janine Myrtel Arisola, whose career includes performing with Ballet Philippines and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. Musical direction is once again handled by Mikko Angeles, bringing emotional depth to this final iteration of the piece.

Cabling’s impressive portfolio includes work with Barefoot Theatre Collaborative, The Sandbox Collective, and Tanghalang Pilipino. He also serves as associate choreographer for Theatre Group Asia’s upcoming production of A Chorus Line.

Co presented by Areté in partnership with Guang Ming Dance Project, the show is rated PG 13.

Get tickets at https://maridance.com and follow Mari Dance on Instagram at https://instagram.com/Maridanceph and Facebook at https://facebook.com/MariDanceph.