Last May 12, 2023, singer Sarah Geronimo successfully mounted her 20th anniversary concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. It was a sold-out show and was well-attended by fans, family, and friends from the industry.

READ: Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli kiss at concert

Amidst the successful show though, there was a buzz around the noticeably changed choreography of one of her hit songs, “Tala”, among others. It can be recalled how “Tala’s” dance steps went viral and was replicated so many times here and abroad. Because of its popularity, it was quite noticeable that the choreography performed by Sarah during her recent concert was far from what people were familiar with. 

While people still enjoyed the new choreography created by former G-Force member Marc Devon, various speculations arose about the change. When Sarah debuted the new “Tala” choreography during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Draw at the Big Dome last April 29, talk already started circulating about a possible rift between Sarah and G-Force.

READ: Netizens speculate following change in choreography of Sarah Geronimo’s ‘Tala’

The original choreography of “Tala” was created by G-Force founder Georcelle Dapat-Sy, better known as Teacher Georcelle. She was also behind the choreography of Sarah’s other dance moves. Her group, G-Force, has been Sarah’s backup dancers for many years. 

"We've been training her and G-Force have been dancing with her for 16 years,” Teacher Georcelle recalled. 

Both Teacher Georcelle and the G-Force crew were absent from the Popstar Royalty’s 20th anniversary concert. 

It has been said that the possible reason behind this was the steep fee charged by G-Force, which was said to be ₱150,000 per choreography. There was also talk about Teacher Georcelle allegedly sending a demand letter on Sarah using the dance steps created by G-Force. 

This was refuted by Teacher Georcelle, who clarified that while she did send a personal letter to Sarah, it was not a demand letter. 

"I sent a personal letter, not a demand letter. I did not demand,” she clarified. 

In a statement released through Ogie Diaz, Teacher Georcelle explained that the choreography is copyrighted in her name. Thus, under law, she retains the right to their use, including the right to charge fees for them. 

"Wala ako sa position to demand for anything especially when no work is delivered,” added Teacher Georcelle. “But I can quote for the price of the use of my copyrighted works.”

She likened her relationship with Sarah to that of a love team who has decided to explore other things. 

"Parang love team kami for 16 years, but this year gusto niya to try other things,” she explained. "She's looking for growth as an artist and as a person. She wants to try other things.”

“It's like a breakup,” she added. 

Like other breakups, amicable as it may be, it was still a painful split especially for the G-Force crew. 

"This process was painful for G-Force,” Teacher Georcelle admitted. “Most of them cried, especially the choreographers who have been training hard to bring out the best in her.”

Teacher Georcelle admitted that she and Sarah had artistic differences. 

"SG wants something else. I want her to exercise that artistic freedom,” she explained. "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,” she added.

Despite going their separate ways, Teacher Georcelle reiterated that she remains supportive of Sarah and still considers her a friend.

“I did everything out of love and respect for her as an artist and a friend,” said Teacher Georcelle. "I wanna support her as she embarks on this new chapter even if it means stepping out for a while.”

Her stepping aside is a gift for Sarah. 

"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,” clarified Teacher Georcelle. “Not being a part of her 20th is my gift of freedom so she can fully express her creative dreams."

On her end, Sarah also didn’t fail to acknowledge G-Force during her concert. She made it a point to give a shout-out to thank the group. 

"G-Force, thank you,” said Sarah. “G-Force! I love you!"