Ballet Manila has come a long way from a handful of dancers led by Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Osias Barroso making do with a makeshift rehearsal studio in 1995 to what is now a ballet company housed in a private compound with more than 50 full-time dancers capable of staging full-length classical ballet for every season. It has stayed true to its moniker as the “Storytellers on Toes”, wowing the audience not only with timeless classics such as  Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet but also with productions based on literary works. For the Ballet Manila 20th Performance Season aptly called “From Page to Stage”, the audience is treated to such exciting major productions.

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Image Credit: Ballet Manila

The Ballet Manila 20th Performance Season – From Page to Stage

Ballet Manila has prepared for its 20th Performance Season with the following offerings:

Filipino Series

The Filipino Series will feature “Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” from one of the most loved Filipino storyteller Severino Reyes.

Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon – a story about a princess who wishes to marry her beloved Bird Prince despite her father’s disapproval

Choreography: Osias Barroso

Music: Composed by National Artists as arranged by Mon Faustino

Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria – a story about a young hero’s search for his bewitched sisters that takes him to fantastic action-filled worlds

Choreography: Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ernest Mandap

Music: Joey Ayala

Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin – a tale of a magical violin that mends the unkind ways of a rich man

Choreography: Tony Fabella

Music: Ryan Cayabyab

Schedule: August 21,22,28,29 (2015) 8 pm

                    August 23 & 30        (2015) 3 pm

Venue: Aliw Theater, Pasay City

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Classical Series

What could better represent a classical production than the widely-known story of Romeo and Juliet? For its 20th Performance Season, Ballet Manila stages the Asian premier of Paul Vasterling’s choreography. The Manila Symphony Orchestra  accompanies under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov.

Schedule: October 2 &3 (2015) 8 pm

                     October 4       (2015) 3 pm

Venue: Aliw Theater, Pasay City

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Holiday Series

Ballet Manila’s holiday offering for this season is the world premiere of Osias Barroso’s full-length Pinocchio. This was originally conceived as a one-act ballet.  Now a full-length two-act production, it literally gives life to the well-known fairy-tale of a wooden toy that becomes a real boy.

Schedule: November 27 & 28, December 4 & 5 (2015)  8 pm

                     November 29 and December 6           (2015) 3 pm

Venue: Aliw Theater, Pasay City

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Children’s Series

Ballet Manila presents the Asian premier of Alan Hineline’s Hansel and Gretel.  Another story much known and loved by children, this classic fairy tale comes to life and is highly recommended as a perfect introduction of ballet to kids. It is set to the invigorating folk music of Edvard Grieg.

Schedule: January 29 & 30 (2016) 7 pm

                   January 31           (2016) 3 pm

Venue: Star Theater, Pasay City

HANSEL & GRETEL

Director’s Choice International Series

Rebel is Ballet Manila’s take on “Spartacus”. The story will be set against the Philippine backdrop of 1986 People Power Revolution. This is choreographed by Lawrance of the Richard Alston Dance Company in collaboration with Floy Quintos. The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra accompanies under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga.

Schedule: February 19,20,26,27 (2016) 8 pm

                   February 21 & 28         (2016) 3 pm

Venue: Aliw Theater, Pasay City

REBEL

Premieres Series

Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde announces the 1st Ballet Manila Choreography Competition in accordance with the company’s mission to find and celebrate the best Filipino artists. This nationwide search is expected to jumpstart the careers of undiscovered choreographic talent.  For yesterday’s Ballet Manila 20th Performance Season Preview, the audience got a sampling of the innovative and cutting-edge dance that can be expected through the Muro-ami choreographed by Gerardo Francisco with the music of Hans Zimmer. It really left me wanting for more.

Schedule: March 19, 2016 8 pm

Venue: Aliw Theater, Pasay City

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My Say

As much as I can, I try really hard to make time for events like this because watching is so uplifting to the soul and the senses, and that is not an exaggeration. I would highly recommend watching ballet productions for children and adults alike. Schools should be considering this option when planning for educational field trips. It teaches appreciation of our culture and the finer things in life. It is a good thing that Ballet Manila’s ultimate goal is to “bring ballet to the people and people to the ballet”.

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Making this possible is a monumental task especially with the notion that ballet is only for the elite. Kudos to Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Co-Artistic Director Osias Barroso for starting this worthwhile endeavor and still working as hard as ever to promote this cause. Although I was not fortunate enough to talk to Osias as the Ballet Manila Team and Performers were seated in different tables to mingle with the guests, I had the privilege to hear Lisa herself (who was table-hopping to accommodate everybody) as well as the two dancers seated with us who happened to be both Americans talk about their experiences and aspirations. Brian Williams shared that he has already found his “space” here and has adjusted wonderfully to the rigors of his dancing career with Ballet Manila.

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I have so much respect for people who are in the position to help others and do so in the capacity where they are most able. Lisa and Osias are both gifted artists who chose to give back by teaching and creating opportunities for those who would like to succeed in their field. Was it easy? I am sure it wasn’t but they worked and continue to work on their goal to the benefit of those who will come after them. Ballet Manila even awards scholarships to children from public schools who pass the audition. These children may never have the slimmest of chances to realize their dreams of becoming a prima ballerina or a premier danseur but Ballet Manila has changed that.

We need to support institutions like Ballet Manila and we don’t even have to be wealthy benefactors to do that. We can simply choose to patronize its shows and that will go a long way. You will be surprised that some productions are offered in popular prices so what’s there to stop you? The Ballet Manila 20th Performance Season awaits all of us.