Ballet Philippines' BLUE MOON GALA set on September 26 – 27

Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company proudly announces the BLUE MOON GALA set on September 26 – 27, 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines - Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).

THE BLUE MOON GALA shall feature BP’s favorite masterworks and other acclaimed award-winning works in line with the company’s sapphire milestone.

The dances to be featured are as follows: 

JE TU ELLE (Choreographed by Redha Benteifour; Music by Vangelis)

The dance features five sensuously sinewy assertive women. It strikes with its sensual, bravura movements. In this dance, a contemporary view of women’s sinuous strength and arrogance underneath the exterior of gentleness, women proclaim they are the stronger sex.

FARANDOLE (Choreographed by George Birkadze; Music by Georges Bizet)

This neo-classical piece set to music of Bizet showcases the dancers’ athleticism and bravura with a slightly Spanish flair that echoes the Filipino’s hispantic history and tradition.

SALOME (Choreographed by Agnes Locsin; Music by Isaac Albeniz)

This piece features guest artist Kris-Belle Paclibar as Salome, sweetheart of Elias, is left alone in her grief and passion as Elias leaves her to join the revolutionary forces against Spain. She expresses a woman’s resigned anguish over Elias’ choice of a higher love – the duty to defend one’s country so that future generations may live and even love more freely.

COLD SONG (Choreographed by Max Luna III; Music by Klaus Nomi)

The choreographer’s tribute to Alvin Ailey, whom he danced and worked with as a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Luna is a former artistic director of Ballet Philippines. 

BUNGKOS SUITE (Choreographed by Alice Reyes; Music by Velarde- Obispo (Dahil Sa Iyo), Kasilag (Chitchiritchit), Kasilag-Velasco (Dandansoy), Paguio (Manang Biday), Obispo (Telebong)

A collection of traditional and popular folk songs reflecting various moods but especially highlighting the playfulness, amorousness and sense of humor of the Filipino.

NOCTURNE (Choreographed by Carlo Pacis, Music by Felix Mendelssohn)

The final duet from A Midsummer Night’s Dream showcases the reconciliation of Titania and Oberon as imagined by Hong Kong- based Flipino choreographer, Carlo Pacis. The production won a lion’s share of awards at the 2013 Phil¬stage’s Gawad Buhay! Awards including Outstanding Modern Dance Production and Outstanding Choreography.

R/J (Choreographed by George Birkadze; Music by Dmitri Shostakovich)

“R/J" condenses the ubiquitous Romeo and Juliet love story in a 7-minute pas de deux, which ends right before the moment Juliet awakens from her drug-induced slumber.

FOR THE GODS (Choreographed by Denisa Reyes; Music by Fabian Obispo)

Inspired by the ‘Dugso‘ folkdance from Bukidnon, this modern workTribal women celebrate the age-old rites of birth and sacrifice in this passionate affirmation of the timeless female principle of life.

DON QUIXOTE GRAND PAS DE DEUX (Music by Ludwig Minkus)

Former Ballet Philippines principal dancer Candice Adea and her partner Shen Jie, both currently soloists of Hong Kong Ballet perform one of the most challenging duets in the classical repertoire. Taken from Miguel Cervantes’ classic story about the adventures of the chivalrous Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza, the Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux is better known as the wedding celebration of Basilio and Kitri in the ballet’s third and final act.

SONGS OF THE WAYFARER (Choreographed by Norman Walker; Music by Gustav Mahler)

This is the second major work that Norman Walker created especially for the company. He drew his inspiration from the composer's own experience as a young man, of a totally unrequited love. In his grief, he composed the bittersweet song-cycle used in the ballet. We follow the hero brooding while his love is being wed, out into the fields that bring him no comfort but only show him his love's likeness wherever he looks. The tormented hero leaves the town in the dead of night and spends it under a linden tree, where sleep makes all well again. Critical and popular acclaim has made this work a piece de resistance in the company's repertoire.

As a special treat for balletomanes, the repertoire for the matinee show will feature selected works of the Ballet Philippines show “MASTER PIECES” that will tour around the United States and Canada in October.

The works include: 

AKU (Choreographed by Alden Lugnasin; Music by Jessie Lucas)

This is a technique piece to test man’s physical limits and possibilities in body movements. This dance was heralded at the 9th Concours International De Danse de Paris in France in December 2000. Described as different and beautiful, it showcases the dancers’ unique understanding of the contemporary Filipino dance style.

HALIK (Choreographed by Paul Alexander Morales; Music by Jed Balsamo)

This dance excerpt from Ballet Philippines’ 41st Season production Crisostomo Ibarra, a dance retelling of a seminal novel Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) authored by Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Managing to escape prison with the help of Elias, Ibarra visits Maria Clara to give his forgiveness and to say goodbye. She tells him the truth about her real father again asking Ibarra for his forgiveness. Finally he understands. They embrace each other and kiss.

AFTER WHOM (Choreographed by Augustus “Bam” Damian III; Music by Jerrold Tarog)

After Whom is a bold showcase for BP’s dynamism and bravado. It highlights the company’s prowess in the modern, contemporary and neo-classical genres.

MORIONES (Choreographed by Agnes Locsin)

Inspired by the Moriones Festival of Marinduque, Locsin’s Moriones was choreographed for Ballet Philippines II’s participation at the Recontres Festival Du Danse in La Baule, France. It was also a study for movement for the Guardias Civil dance for the modern ballet “Encantada”.

TAMBOL AT PADYAK (Choreographed by Tony Fabella; Music by Samuel Asuncion, Malek Lopez, and Pinikpikan)

Set to local beats, global beats and heartbeats, this award-winning and audience-rousing work is full of youthful energy which mirrors the Filipinos’ joy of living. This showstopper, utilizing the local “bakya” (wooden slippers) to amplify its rich rhythm, has wowed adults and children, foreigners and expatriates ever since it premiered at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

THE BLUE MOON GALA will be performed at the CCP Main Theater on September 26 at 8 PM and September 27 at 3 PM and 8 PM. 

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

The 45th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour and redemption. Under the artistic directorship of Paul Alexander Morales, this is a toast to 45 years of dance excellence.

 

BACKGROUNDER: FEATURED CHOREOGRAPHERS

Redha Benteifour Je Tu Elle

Often described as an “unclassifiable choreographer”, Redha distinguished himself as a personality oriented towards total liberty that draws his inspiration from everyday life from where censorship is absent. He identifies his model in choreography as Baryshnikov to which influences of Lester Wilson, Alvin Killiam or Luis Falco as added. Redha choreographed for several of the world’s leading dance companies such as Le Jeune Ballet de France, The National Ballet of the Netherlands, San Francisco Ballet, Ballet Philippines and Nomads of Switzerland.

George Birkadze Farandole, R/J

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Birkadze began his dance training at National Academy of Dance of Tbilisi with Wahtang Chabukiany. He was then invited to attend the School of the Bolshoi Ballet in 1991, where he graduated with Honours in Classical Ballet, Pas de Deux, and Traditional Dance. He has since choreographed and danced in numerous countries including Russia, Portugal, France, Spain, and the U.S.. He has choreographed the likes of Angel Corella, Carmen Corella, Herman Cornejo, Cory Stearns, Ashley Ellis, and Misa Kuranaga, among others, and molded the careers of many dancers around the world.

Augustus “Bam” Damian III After Whom

Hailing from a family of dancers, Bam had a twenty-year long career in Europe that took him through six differ­ent theaters all as soloist or as principal dancer. For four consecutive years, he was awarded “Best Dancer” by the public of the United State Theaters of Mönchengladbach and Krefeld. Moreover, he has had the chance to dance with Europe’s great stars as well as work with world famous choreographers including Maurice Bejart, Hans van Mannen, and Christopher Bruce. He has toured extensively and performed in many of the world’s most prestigious theatres.

Tony Fabella Tambol at Padyak

Called a “master craftsman,” Tony Fabella choreographed in all the dance styles but is best known for original works using Filipino themes set to music by Filipino composers. Dance critics have described his works as “witty, humorous, clever, refreshingly novel, rich, exquisite, lyrical, exhilarating, captivating.” Fabella was an Artistic Council member of Philippine Ballet Theater, and former lead member of the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company and was the company’s Artistic Consultant before his demise in 2009.

Agnes Locsin Salome, Moriones

Recognized as the pioneer of neo-ethnic dance, Agnes Locsin is a force in the Philippine dance scene. Drawing inspira­tion from Philippine tribal dances, practices, beliefs, and stories, Locsin reworked and reinterpreted these into the frame­work of existing classical ballet and modern dance technique, resulting in a unique dance form suited for the Filipino’s physical frame, temperament, and culture.

Alden Lugnasin Aku

Exposed to world class ballet masters and choreographers, Alden is strongly motivated and has created some of the most stirring dance works such as Impasse, Life Is A Rope, Fire, Water, Woman, and Buhay. He is currently the Artistic Director of BP 2, Ballet Philippines’ junior performing company.

Max Luna III Cold Song

A former artistic director of Ballet Philippines, Max Luna III’s dance career spanned almost four decades and six continents as an internationally acclaimed performer, teacher, and choreographer. As a teacher, he has been praised for a keen movement sense complemented by an in-depth knowledge of dance techniques.

Paul Alexander Morales Halik

Paul unites his varied interests and experience in the arts in the service of dance. He is a director, choreographer and independent filmmaker. Artistic Director of Ballet Philippines since 2009, Paul’s works typically involve multi-media collaborations. Leading BP in its Main Theater season was his childhood dream that was made a reality by the skills and talents he strengthened by the mentoring, sharing, exploration and celebration of his fellow artists.

Carlo Pacis Nocturne

Carlo is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. A former soloist of the Hong Kong ballet, he currently works freelance and is based in Hong Kong. Aside from his award winning A Midusmmer Night’s Dream in 2013, his work for Ballet Philippines, Shifting Wait, received a GAWAD BUHAY 2010 from PhilStage for Outstanding Choreography for a Dance Production.

Alice Reyes Bungkos Suite

Alice Reyes, the woman who professionalized dance in the Philippines and founded Ballet Philippines, the country’s flagship company in classical ballet and contemporary dance, has been bestowed with the Order of National Artist for Dance. As founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of Ballet Philippines, Alice Reyes paved the way for dance to be recognized in the Philippines not only as an art form, but as a viable profession.

Denisa Reyes For the Gods

Denisa is a former Artistic Director of Ballet Philippines (1990-1994 and in 2000-2004) and introduced the NEO-FILIPINO Dance Series, her most significant contribution to the Philippine dance scene. It served as a platform for inter-disciplinary collaborations between local and international artists. A recipient of the Philstage Gawad Buhay! Award for Outstanding Choreography for a Musical, Philstage Lifetime Achievement Award, , Denisa is now currently very much involved in arts education.

Norman Walker Songs of a Wayfarer

Norman Walker is best described by critic Walter Terry as “a choreographic talent of towering proportions.” One of America’s multi-talented director-choreographers, Walker is known by those who have worked with him for his high energy level. A disciplinarian, perfectionist, and a demanding choreographer, Walker makes certain that the dancers’ potentials surface to the fullest. He created a number of original works for Ballet Philippines, namely Season of Flight (1972), Songs of a Wayfarer (1973), Wanderings of a Wayfarer (1980), and Summer’s End (1980).