In case you haven't heard, whispers of an alleged rift between Teacher Georcelle and Sarah Geronimo began to circulate online over the weekend, and it all started when Sarah's iconic song "Tala" was performed with a different choreography during her highly anticipated 20th anniversary concert.
ICYDK, the song was originally choreographed by Georcelle Dapat-Sy, aka the creative director of the G-Force dance group who has been performing alongside the singer for years. When the G-Force members weren't present at the concert, netizens speculated that Georcelle and Sarah were *possibly* on bad terms.
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Through a statement released on Ogie Diaz's vlog, Teacher Georcelle cleared up the rumors once and for all.
"Walang side nila or side ko. Isa lang ang mithiin ng lahat, support SG on her 20th year. SG is 35 years old. We've been training her and G-Force have been dancing with her for 16 years. She's looking for growth as an artist and as a person. She wants to try other things. There were artistic differences and I wanna support her as she embarks on this new chapter even if it means stepping out for a while," she says. "I did everything out of love and respect for her as an artist and a friend. Parang love team kami for 16 years, but this year gusto niya to try other things. This process was painful for G-Force. Most of them cried, especially the choreographers who have been training hard to bring out the best in her. It's like a break up."
She adds, "SG wants something else, I want her to exercise that artistic freedom. but it's also my right to exercise my artistic freedom. I had to pull out two months ago in March. Of course, my team will always understand and respect my decision. This is me encouraging SG to experience that creative freedom and to be the ultimate decision-maker in producing and directing her 20th anniversary concert."
Georcelle also clarified the rumor that she demanded P150,000 for every song in which her choreography will be used.
"Why will I demand? Wala ako sa position to demand for anything especially when no work is delivered pero I can quote for the price of the use of my copyrighted works. I sent a personal letter, not a demand letter. I did not demand. Not being a part of her 20th is my gift of freedom so she can fully express her creative dreams. Our relationship should be okay and not be affected by public opinion."
As of writing, Sarah Geronimo has not commented on the issue.
