Buddy Malbasias is a Filipino-Australian artist-researcher, choreographer and performer traversing contemporary dance, interdisciplinary explorations and waacking contexts. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance, Minor Dance Performance) at the Queensland University of Technology as the prestigious Creative Industries University Medalist. Currently, Malbasias is immersed in his research project, Bugas, through his 2024 Backbone Funded Hub Residency and Studio1 Creative Funded Residency.

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Through the lens of the Filipino Diaspora, Malbasias’ works unfold thought-provoking narratives deeply rooted in reconnecting to his Filipino heritage, investigating the intersections of movement and an appreciation for the unconventional. His creations reveal his authentic self, employing humour, improvisational methodologies, physicality and interdisciplinary collaborations to develop fanatical worlds into reality. Malbasias’ choreographic practice spans live and digital contexts, such as ‘610X’ (Artist-in-residence, QACI), ‘Observe’ (QLD Museum Partnership), ‘Z-A’ (Graduate Project), ‘erOplanO’ (Artist-in-residence, APAC) and ‘Anino' (Awarded Dance on Film).

 

A recipient of the NSW uNCOILEd eXposed residency, Malbasias recently unveiled 'Lato2x,' a critically acclaimed dance work praised by Dance Australia as "engaging and well worth seeing." His artistic journey has been supported by the QUT Elite Performance and Visual Art Scholarship and his academic excellence earned him a consistent place on the Dean's List, title of dance ambassador and the prestigious Dance Performance Scholarship. Malbasias’ recent accolades include the Blackbird Foundation grant (2024, National), Waacking Inferno X Club Concept Performance prize (2023, Melbourne), AFTRS scholarship (2023, Sydney), VENTspace residency (2023, Brisbane) and the Sharp Short Dance on film winner (2022, Sydney) and Australian Waacktournament Brisbane Champion, national runner-up (2022).

 

His creative exploits have graced diverse environments, including a noteworthy premiere at the iconic Queensland Museum. Internationally, Malbasias expanded his artistry with an immersive residency at Ars Electronica Austria and collaborative projects across Europe. Notable companies and organisations include Stephanie Lake Co., Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Studio1, QACI, APAC, JKU Linz and Ars Electronica.