This is not photography, it is video. I am sure you’ll forgive me. Because, if my general endeavour with Prison Photography is to ask readers to assess the visual culture surrounding prisons more critically and consider prison populations differently then these videos are visual culture in which prisoners present themselves beyond all stereotypes.

The routines are the result of a new approach to rehabilitation in Philippine prisons (8 facilities at last count) beginning at Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC). The program was initiated by Byron Garcia the brother of Cebu Governor (Warden) Gwendolyn Garcia. Ms Garcia is the first female warden at Cebu, which leaves me wondering if the novel dance program is the result of a) progressive governorship challenging outdated methods or b) uncomplicated nepotism.

Byron Garcia introduced an exercise program where the prisoners marched in unison, starting out with marching to the beat of a drum, but moved on to dancing to pop music; he began with one of his favourite songs, Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)”. He chose camp music such as In The Navy and Y.M.C.A. by The Village People, so macho prisoners would not be offended at being asked to dance.

Bernie Ledesma, 2008

Prisoners of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Centre dance the Rico Mambo. Photo Credit: Bernie Ledesma, 2008

All of this is well known to webnerds who follow the biggest viral videos. Thriller was one of the biggest web hits of 2007 and to date has over 20 million views. I am so excited about it because it is new to me. I was engrossed in all the routines but will list my favourites as MC Hammer’s Can’t Touch This, Laura Brannigan’s Gloria, Bonnie Tyler’s I Need a Hero, Van Halen’s Jump, and Queen’s Radio Ga Ga. The dancing inmates of CPDRC are self-proclaimed “World Entertainers” now and have been featured on pretty much every major global news source at one point. Here’s the BBC’s article.

However, with all things related to penology it is not quite as simple as clapping inmates dancing together, forgetting their rivalries and jigging toward reform. The dance program is compulsory and as Wikipedia notes, “The British Channel 4 Documentary “Murderers on the Dancefloor” broadcast in January 2008 portrayed life in the prison. The program showed various inmates praising Byron Garcia, the founder of the initiative – many of whom had tattoos praising Mr Garcia. However, it also featured an anonymous ex-inmate who claimed Mr Garcia employs certain prisoners to beat prisoners who refuse to dance. Garcia was filmed in the documentary holding an American M4 Carbine, saying, “This is an M16 M4 rifle, and it can make people dance”, before aiming the gun at the cameraman. This statement was acknowledged as a joke by the narrator. His Youtube account states any accusation that any form of abuse goes on as part of the program is false, and the program serves the purpose of reforming the inmates.”

Prisoners at Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Centre form a cross shape. Photo Credit Bernie Ledesma, 2008

Prisoners at Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Centre form a cross shape. Photo Credit Bernie Ledesma, 2008

If you study the introductions to some of Garcia’s videos you will learn that the prisoners dance in honour of Peace Advocates, their Catholic Archbishop and against dissenters of the church. I find it hard to believe that all 1,500+ prisoners dance to voice the exact same political or religious opinion. There is certainly coercion at work here, but I think it is that of forced empty comment than of physical torture for those who abstain.

The show is put on monthly and the gantry around the yard is full of fans; likely family and friends but also genuine admirers. I  heard of one spectator’s description of goose-bumps each time she watches a new routine. I can’t go that far but I must admit that the exercise, diversion, surface camaraderie and sincere adulation the prisoners enjoy must be extremely positive. It is worth noting that male and female inmates dance together. Could you really expect to see co-ed dance therapy in any US prison?

For the best still photography of CPDRC inmates in action go to Bernie Ledesma’s Flickr Set or his JPG Magazine “Jailhouse Rock” Feature.

Postscript: All of this, while focussing on the policies of progressive prison authorites distracts us from the ongoing heinous conditions in Philippine prisons, the detention of children alongside dangerous adults and the ongoing abuse of those minors.

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