Dance enthusiasts all over the country have another reason to cheer for world-class performers as Ballet Manila presents Flight 1 and Flight 2 on July 31 and August 1, respectively at 8 pm at the Star Theater. These are two completely different programs to be performed for two consecutive nights. These events will serve as a preview of Ballet Manila’s entry to the Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition (AGP) slated in August at the Y-Theater, Hong Kong.

 

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Back-to-Back Concert

“Flight 1” and “Flight 2” are two different shows featuring the dance company’s bestseller pieces by top choreographers Agnes Locsin, Augustus Damian III, Gerardo Francisco, and the late Tony Fabella. The show also includes classical showstoppers “Don Quixote,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Le Corsaire” and the “Black Swan Pas De Deux” from “Swan Lake”. The back-to-back concert will showcase the best of Ballet Manila and highlight the skill and artistry of all the dancer-competitors. “Am truly proud of this year’s competitors; keeping my fingers crossed that we do well this year.”, says Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila Artistic Director and CEO.

Asian Grand Prix Backgrounder

The Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition (AGP) is an annual competition hosted by Youth Ballet of Asia and operated by Hong Kong Arts Development & Production Company Ltd. It was established in 2011 and is now on its 5th year holding the competition. The competition aims to recognize the artistic excellence of local and international dancers by allowing participants to demonstrate their talent, explore their potential, and learn from their peers and dance professionals. Outstanding dancers receive cash awards for career advancement in professional ballet companies. They can also receive training scholarships in renowned ballet schools.

Ballet Manila Participation

When Ballet Manila first joined AGP in 2012, the dance company won Finalist certificates and top honors including the Bronze Medal in the Pas de Deux division and the Most Promising Male Danseur award.  In 2013, Ballet Manila won Finalist certificates and the Silver Medal in Junior B division, the Bronze Medal in the Senior division, and the Silver and Bronze Medal in the Pas De Deux division. This year, 23 dancers from the Ballet Manila Company and School of Ballet Manila will compete in the Junior A, Junior B, Junior C, Pre-Senior, Senior and Pas de Deux, categories.

My Say

These events clearly show the dedication of Ballet Manila in producing internationally competitive dancers who will make our country proud. This is not an easy thing to do but the company persists in attaining its goal of not only in bringing ballet closer to the people but also encouraging more support for the art. I would like to echo the invitation I received from Ballet Manila. Join Ballet Manila Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde at the front seat of The Star Theater, as she sends off her most talented dancers to the international competition.

Tickets for “Flight 1′ sand “Flight 2” are available at Ticketworld outlets, www.ticketworld.com.ph, or call 891 9999 and the Ballet Manila marketing hotline at 552 7502. Those who will purchase tickets for both shows will get a 20% discount.