Ballet Manila culminated its 20th Season with a bang via its ballet concert BM 21 held last night. After a very successful 20th Season run, Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and company dug into their history and came up with this gala concert showcasing its rich repertoire. According to Lisa, this was also the perfect opportunity to “challenge the collective strength of the principals and soloists, including the second company dancers and trainees from the school”.

BM-21-POSTER-FINAL-MARCH-2016

BM 21 – The Best of Classical Ballet

BM 21 stands for Ballet Manila transitioning to its 21st Season. It serves as the fitting “end” for the 20th Season and a signal of better things to come in the new performance season starting on August of this year. Lisa shares what the 3 segments presented in the show is all about.

Kingdom of the Shades from La Bayadere

Choreography: Marius Petipa   Music: Ludwig Minkus

This is described as a mesmerizing and dream-like sequence involving ballerinas dancing across the stage in perfect unison. Absolute synchronization is one of the ultimate tests for classical ballerinas. Liza thinks that it is but fitting to open the show with a piece that highlights what they do best: a white tutu ballet that features the lovely ballerinas from the senior company and trainees, dancing as one.

Bloom

Choreography, Lighting and Costume Design: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa   Music: Philipp Glass

For this piece, it was the company’s 24 danseurs’ time to be on the spotlight. This segment shows the versatility of the company in the modern/contemporary genre while. This is the multi awarded choreographer’s  first work for an Asian dance company focusing on rituals and prayers.

Carmen

Choreography: Eric V. Cruz      Re-staging: Osias Barroso Jr, Eileen Lopez, Jonathan Janolo        Costume Design: Eric V. Cruz, Arturo Cruz                 Music: George Bizet

Carmen is considered the choreographic masterpiece of Ballet Manila’s founding Artistic Director Eric V. Cruz. Liza says that this is a timeless classic, the story of which needs to be retold over and over again. For those who are not aware,storytelling on toes is what the company does best. This tragic romance features the Prima Ballerina herself reprising the role of Carmen, a seductress, witch, or victim or circumstance rolled into one.

A dramatic moment from Carmen featuring prima ballerina, Lisa Macuja Elizalde

Lisa Macuja Elizalde – Prima Ballerina as Carmen

I have to admit that one of the reasons why I was very excited about seeing this show is the fact that Lisa was performing as Carmen. Except for her featured role in “Rebel“, this was the only chance I got so far to see her dancing on stage. During one of the previous times I saw her presenting the shows of Ballet Manila, she shared that she had already retired. I was disappointed with the thought that I may never get to see her doing what she does best on stage. Seeing her as Carmen made me understand why she is considered a Prima Ballerina. Without any trace of exaggeration, her performance was exceptional – everything including every movement and facial expression. She defies age and whatever physical injury sustained from the long years in dancing ballet.

bm21 curtain call

My Say

This flower worn by Lisa as Carmen was the only thing left visible after the curtain closed for BM 21. Just like what Lisa said, I saw it as a promise of more exciting shows to look forward to in Ballet Manila’s coming seasons. The loud clapping and shouting of Bravo continued to ring in my ears as I went home with my family because they are so deserved. We can’t wait for the 21st Season to start!

bm21 flower