Thirty years for a ballet company can feel both short and long. While it’s brief compared to centuries of ballet tradition, it’s also a significant period of growth, challenges, and change within the company.
For a ballet company to remain active and successful over three decades, it likely has weathered challenges, such as the huge fire that razed its home a few years ago, while evolving with the ever-changing demands of its audiences.
Such is the case with Ballet Manila.
Over the years, the ballet company, led by its artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, has remained true to its core vision and values while continually navigating and adapting to shifts in the cultural landscape. It has nurtured multiple generations of dancers, creating a rich tapestry of history and achievements that make the time span feel significant.
As the ballet company grows, so too does its audience, both in size and depth of appreciation.
With each performance, more people are drawn to the art form, and those who have been following the company for years develop a deeper understanding and admiration for the intricacies of ballet.
As Ballet Manila’s history and legacy unfold, I, too, evolve as a journalist and observer. Watching their productions and interviewing dancers deepens my appreciation for ballet and broadens my perspective on its cultural significance.
Each milestone and challenge sharpens my storytelling, intertwining my journey with theirs. As they refine their craft, I refine my voice.
Like a pearl growing more radiant with time, Ballet Manila marks its 30th anniversary with stellar productions featuring world-renowned ballet superstars from the US and Russia at Aliw Theater, Pasay City.
Dubbed “The Pearl Year,” Ballet Manila opens its dance season with The Pearl Gala on March 7 at 8:00 p.m., and on March 8 and 9 at 5:00 p.m.
A collection of the most exquisite performance pieces from Ballet Manila, the gala features the world premiere of “Pearls,” choreographed by none other than its artistic director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, along with fellow award-winning choreographers Martin Lawrance and Gerardo Francisco Jr.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to emphasize our mission of bringing ballet to the people and people to ballet, as well as highlight ballet as a beautiful art form,” shared Macuja-Elizalde during its official launch recently at the Shang Plaza.
Ballet Manila’s “The Pearl Gala” opens with “Paquita,” which was first performed by Ballet Manila during its first ballet concert 30 years ago. After three decades, the dance company is performing it once again to highlight how a ballet company’s mettle, strength, and quality are measured by its corps de ballet and not only by its soloists or principals. The production will also allow the ballerinas to shine on their own in different variations and codas.
The gala continues with “Bloom,” originally choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa in 2014 and performed by many American companies, such as Cincinnati Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet. This suite showcases the diversity and strengths of the company in its 30th year, but this time with a male-dominated corps de ballet – a unique feature in a ballet company.
“Pearls” completes the gala to show how the development of the pearl is similar to that of a dancer. The dance company’s journey will be depicted through different kinds of pearls. This suite is divided into six parts, with each dancer representing a unique jewel that is trained for years before achieving such effortless grace – just like a pearl composed of many layers that ultimately create a beautiful gem. The ballet will culminate with the pearls dancing in both classical and contemporary styles.
The performance season continues with the classical ballet production “Swan Lake” on May 30 at 8:00 p.m. and on May 31 and June 1 at 5:00 p.m. A special matinee on May 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. will feature Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet Company artist Nathaniel Remez as the leads.
Gracing the stage are guest celebrity ballet dancers from San Francisco Ballet: soloist Katherine Barkman, who was formerly a principal dancer with Ballet Manila, and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez. Barkman will perform the dual roles of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan), alongside Hernandez as the male lead. The duo will perform in all three shows.
A fitting choice for the company’s 30th year, Swan Lake is one of the most difficult ballets to perform for a prima ballerina because of the extreme technical demands of Odile and the soft lyricism of Odette. Swan Lake will once again highlight Ballet Manila’s commitment to excellence as it showcases the Russian Vaganova training that Ballet Manila continues to specialize in.
Closing the performance season is Don Quixote, another classical ballet featuring the return of ballet superstar Mariinsky Prima Ballerina Renata Shakirova.
For Macuja-Elizalde, Don Quixote is a brilliant way to end the season, as it has become a signature full-length ballet of the company. Kitri has also become Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s signature role as a ballerina, and it is also a signature role for Renata, who will be able to showcase her light, gigantic leaps, multiple and fast pirouettes, and the 32 fouettés that everyone can look forward to. Playing alongside Renata is Joshua Enciso, making his debut as Basilio.
“Don Quixote is a great way to close the season on a positive note, as it is a ballet that seems like a two-hour nonstop celebration. We have a very packed and exciting performance season, and I’m excited for the audience to finally see what we have worked so hard for on our Pearl Year,” she said.
All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.