Ballet Manila’s Florante at Laura: A symphony of creativity and harmonious ingenuity

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The landmark production brings together some of the country’s finest dance and musical artists for a world premiere that spotlights yet another Filipino literary masterpiece

Lisa Macuja Elizalde

“Something magical happens when artists come together! ”

Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila's creative director, couldn't contain her excitement when asked about the upcoming world premiere of Florante at Laura.

The outstanding production, which comes at the heels of the ballet company’s highly successful Ibong Adarna, will be staged at the Aliw Theater on October 12, 2024, at 8 PM, and on October 13 and 19, 2024 at 5 PM. Florante at Laura will gather some of the country’s highly esteemed creatives in music, literature, ballet, and stage production.

A collaboration of masters in their craft

“Florante at Laura was a project that was going to be Gerardo Francisco’s next epic adventure. This was planned way before the pandemic happened,” recalled Lisa.

Gerardo is the dance company’s longtime principal dancer and co-artistic associate, who also choreographed the award-winning Ibong Adarna. Working with him is the exemplary British choreographer Martin Lawrance who is behind Ballet Manila’s full length innovative retelling of Romeo and Juliet in the Filipino setting.

With this collaboration, Gerardo shared, “Clear communication, thorough discussions, and mutual support were crucial in keeping us on track.” To this, Martin agrees. “We just seem to click and bounce ideas off of each other. It has so far been a very fruitful collaboration. Communication has been the key! ”

From the collaboration between Gerardo and Martin, the intricate pieces to this masterpiece of a production started falling into place when Lisa invited renowned writer and balagtasan expert Professor Michael Coroza as a guest in her show, Art 2 Art, where she asked him to watch Ibong Adarna. “I then invited Michael to collaborate with Gerardo and Martin Lawrence to create the libretto for Florante at Laura.”

Soon after, the quest for a composer began. Lisa imagined someone who can create original compositions akin to a Filipino Tchaikovsky—sweeping, dramatic, powerful, and romantic. “I was so very thrilled when National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab said yes!” shared Lisa.

One of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Ryan Cayabyab, was named National Artist for Music in 2018 with an extensive body of work ranging from orchestras and full-length musical productions to television and commercials. “It had been quite some time since I wrote a large musical work,” he shared.

Despite being a seasoned composer and musician, Ryan was thrilled to work with fellow creatives: “Most important before I start creating music is the mutual understanding among the other creatives and the producer regarding style and medium of music.”

Breathing life into his original compositions is the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) under the baton of his son, Toma Cayabyab—another dream fulfilled for Ryan. “Everything is a surprise and wonder for me. I challenged myself into accepting this landmark ballet production, and I hope that it becomes an important legacy for all of us involved in it.”

An epic production with mesmerizing visuals

A literary masterpiece written by Filipino poet Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar and published in 1838, Florante at Laura follows the story of Florante, a duke who was held captive and enslaved by the Turks. But with the help of Aladin, he managed to escape from his captors to return to his country, Albania, to face off the usurper Count Adolfo, seek redemption, and reunite with his beloved Laura.

To translate the story’s universal themes of love, betrayal, and friendship in dramatic visuals, Ballet Manila tapped the expertise of key players who have been involved in many local and international productions for decades. Set designer Mio Infante explained that his designs depict not just the actual setting in the story. “This epic ballet includes a diverse set of locations, which not only serve as physical spaces but also symbolize the internal and external conflicts of the characters, as well as broader themes of love, war, loyalty, and betrayal.”

Complementing his designs are the stunning costumes from Make It Happen, led by Otto Hernandez & Therese Arroyo Hernandez. The duo noted, “Costumes play a crucial role in conveying the story and message of a production. It can contribute to the overall visual aesthetics, help define characters, evoke emotions, and enhance the audience's understanding of the narrative.”

Meanwhile, lighting director John Batalla emphasizes the importance of using a distinct lighting color palette to differentiate the varied locales of Florante and Laura. “Mood is certainly a major part of the themes that lighting has to tackle in a production such as this in order to transport the audiences to a different time and far-away places.”

Expect more from Ballet Manila

As one of the country’s leading dance companies, Ballet Manila has been known for its keen eye for excellence and artistry. While it has created many award-winning productions, the audience can expect more world class performances thanks to the leadership of Lisa.

But for now, she wishes the audience to bask in the magical greatness of Florante at Laura. “That’s why we work so hard every day – to create art that people will want to watch again and again.”

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.

Ballet Manila’s Giselle to feature global superstars Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev

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World-renowned ballet superstars from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev, will be coming to Manila for a rare Philippine performance in the restaging of Ballet Manila’s Giselle set to happen at the Aliw Theater on August 31, 2024 at 8pm and September 1, 2024 at 5 pm.

This much-awaited collaboration with the Russian superstars of ballet once again highlights Ballet Manila’s artistry and keen eye for excellence in every production, by working with world-class performers – this time for Giselle. This very special collaboration was made possible by Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s artistic director and chief executive officer, and her close ties with the Mariinsky Ballet (formerly Kirov Ballet) where she also trained and became the first foreign soloist in the mid-80s. She shared, “The fact that we are collaborating with guest artists and star performers Renata Shakirova and Alexsei Timofeyev will always bring out the best in the company.”

With their star power, Macuja Elizalde couldn’t be more excited for their rendition of the well-loved Giselle. “I think that Renata’s true romantic style of dancing and the fact that she is dancing with her real-life prince Alexei is going to transform Ballet Manila’s Giselle to a Giselle of another level,” she adds. The world-renowned Russian dancers, incidentally, are married to each other in real life.

Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Renata joined Mariinsky Ballet, one of the leading dance companies in the world, upon her graduation in 2015 and was immediately given her first principal role as Kitri in Don Quixote. That same year, she was listed among the 25 to Watch by Dance Magazine. And in 2016, she competed in the Bolshoi Ballet Competition, where she won first prize.

Meanwhile, Leningrad-born Alexei joined Mariinsky Ballet in 2004 and is currently the soloist of the dance company. As a soloist, he managed to secure various awards under his belt, including prize-winner at the VII International Ballet Competition in Seoul in 2010; diploma-recipient at the XVI International Rudolf Nureyev Ballet Festival in 2010 where he was cited for his superb levels of professionalism and contribution to the development of ballet in the Republic of Bashkortostan; and diploma-recipient at the XI International Ballet Dancers’ and Choreographers’ Competition in Moscow in 2009.

While it is their first time to perform on the Philippine stage, Renata is looking forward to connecting with the Filipino audience through her performance. “What’s important to be able to connect with the audience, wherever they are, but especially with a Filipino audience, is to highlight the small nuances that are included in the performance, like the turn of the head or the eye-to-eye contact with your partner, so that the emotions in the story can be conveyed and that the audience can enjoy the show.”

Meanwhile, Alexei excitedly looks forward to performing in front of a new audience, as he noted, “We are feeling the good kind of vibes with the Filipino audience, and we want them to live the story of Giselle with us on stage. It’s going to be our first time, and we hope to share that special experience with all of them.”

The third offering of Ballet Manila’s 26th performance season, dubbed Ballet Masterpieces, Giselle is a classic love story of a village girl (Giselle) who falls in love with Albrecht, not knowing he is already engaged. When she finds out, she dies of a broken heart and becomes a wili, joining the souls of girls who are also wronged by their men. Meanwhile, Albrecht visits the grave of Giselle, who protects him from Myrtha, the vengeful queen of the wilis.

Complementing their performances is a dynamic ensemble made up of young and veteran dancers from Ballet Manila, which, according to Macuja Elizalde, is the main change for the restaging of Giselle. “Ballet Manila Corps de Ballet is made up of more young members who have just joined the company post-pandemic - standing side by side with Ballet Manila dancers who are "veterans" and have performed the ballet many times before.”

The two-act ballet will interestingly showcase the talents of real-life couples both on and off stage. Ballet Manila's principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo will headline the performance on August 31 at 1pm while the world-renowned duo Renata and Alexei will take on the title roles on August 31 at 8pm and September 1 at 5pm.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

The country’s creative powerhouses bring to life - Ballet Manila’s Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang

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Ballet Manila once again unearths the magical baul of Lola Basyang as it transports its audience to a world of fantastic dance, music and spectacular visuals with Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang set to happen at Aliw Theater from May 11, 2024 at 8PM and May 12 &18, 2024 at 5PM.

Ballet Manila stages a beloved Filipino children's classic in

Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang

The second show among the repertoire for Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season aptly titled “Ballet Masterpieces,” Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is based on the retellings of Severino Reyes’ stories by Christine Bellen Ang. Published by Anvil Publishing, the three stories are an engaging mix of romance, adventure and comedy, touching on such universal themes as loyalty and commitment to family, the power of humility and of course, love conquers all.

“We chose three stories out of twelve (12) Lola Basyang books. It was an interesting process because there were so many great tales that were worth sharing. But in the end, we felt that the themes we chose can truly resonate with an audience across many generations,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, artistic director and chief executive officer of Ballet Manila.

“As a publishing company that’s known for producing books about Philippine culture, we feel it is part of our duty to ensure that the magic of these stories is not lost among the younger generation. “Ang Mga Kwento Ni Lola Basyang” is among the books that have mesmerized generations of Filipino children and we are confident they will love the ballet version,” shared Xandra Ramos Padilla, Anvil Publishing president. ”We’re so thrilled that these stories will once again be brought to life through compelling performances, thanks to our partnership with Ballet Manila.”

Bringing life to the enduring character of Lola Basyang is Mitch Valdes – the acclaimed performance artist who has been active in the theater and entertainment industry for over 50 years. Best known for her award-winning roles in Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress, Mitch has also starred in highly-acclaimed movies such as Oro, Plata, Mata; Manila by Night; and Bulaklak sa City Jail.

Mitch’s captivating performance of Lola Basyang will open the production. Not surprisingly, the role has evoked a sense of patriotism in the actress. “We’re familiar with all the international classics but this one is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklore come to life in classical ballet. It will be beautiful because the story is one of our own.”

The cast of Ballet Manila’s Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang standing from left: John Ralp Balago, Stephanie Santiago, Ris Camaclang, Gerardo Francisco, Jessica Pearl Dames, Jasmine Pia Dames, and Romeo Peralta; along with (seated from left) Singer-actress and comedienne Mitch Valdes as Lola Basyang, Ballet Manila artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Anvil Publishing Inc. managing editor Jordan Santos

Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will then unfold with the first story, Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon which tells the tale of a princess who wishes to marry her beloved bird against her father’s disapproval. In the end, the princess decides to turn into a beautiful bird to join her beloved bird who happens to be a prince in his kingdom.

Breathing life into the characters are principal dancers Jasmine Pia Dames/Shaira Comeros as Prinsesa Singsing and Romeo Peralta/Joshua Enciso as Prinsipe ng mga Ibon. Choreographed by the late Osias Barroso Jr., Ballet Manila’s co-artistic director until his passing in December 2023, the production hopes his legacy will live on through the choreographies he has created.

Barroso once said, “I want Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon to be very romantic. I want people to fall in love after watching it.” Complementing his vision is the award-winning musical arranger Mon Faustino who arranged music for the production using compositions of national artists for music.

From the soaring magic of enchanted birds, the production moves on to focus on the dark ramifications of greed in Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria which tells the story of a couple who are folk healers, thanks to the leaves of a magical tree that their three daughters would pick every morning. Because of the couple’s greed, they were punished by the serpent living in the tree, taking their three daughters to marry them off to beastly animals. The couple soon had another child, this time a son, and before the father’s death, he requested his son to look for his three sisters.

Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria is a collaborative partnership between Lisa Macuja Elizalde as the choreographer, and Filipino Music legend, Joey Ayala who composed the music for the entire ballet.

“For Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya, I wanted to merge the movements of the folk dances of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to represent the three worlds to show the cultural diversity and color of our nation,” explained Macuja Elizalde.

Apart from the magnificent ballet, the production is an auditory treat as it will feature a rare combination of raw sounds from kawayan and metal, complemented by orchestral synthesizer sounds to stimulate the imagination of the audience. For this story, Anselmo Dictado/Sean Pelegrin will perform the role of Pedro, while the Tatlong Maria will be played by Rissa May Camaclang (Maria Trining), Stephanie Santiago (Maria Loleng) and Jessa Balote/Jessica Pearl Dames (Maria Upeng).

No less than National Artist Ryan Cayabyab composed the lively and catchy music that will accompany the dancers in Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin. The last installment in the trilogy, its tells the story of a young man named Rodrigo who is rewarded with a magical violin for his kindness to an old woman.

Completing the creative powerhouse for this final tale is the late award-winning Filipino ballet dancer Tony Fabella, whose amazing choreography reaffirms his belief that, while the story is easy enough to understand, audiences will have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful message of Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin if told through ballet. True enough, theater goers must prepare to be enthralled by the performances of Gerardo Francisco Jr./Anselmo Dictado as Rodrigo and John Ralp Balago/Junmark Sumaylo as Ahab.

From the brilliantly written word to the wonderful stage of ballet, Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is a production mounted with the heartfelt intention of giving birth to a newfound appreciation for our vibrant Filipino culture: “We hope that they come out of the theaters having learned so many valuable life lessons,” said Macuja Elizalde.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

Well-loved masterpieces and magical Filipino stories come to life in Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season

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“A showcase of technical and virtuosic feats’ is how world-renowned prima ballerina and Ballet Manila artistic director and chief executive officer Lisa Macuja Elizalde describes the opening salvo of the company’s 26th performance season, billed as “Ballet Masterpieces,” owing to the excellent lineup of shows that feature two classical ballet productions, along with the enchanting and timeless appeal of Filipino literary classics.

The season is set to open with the propitious staging of Le Corsaire (The Pirate) as rechoreographed by Macuja Elizalde herself. It will be staged on February 24, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. and February 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Ballet Manila’s home, the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

For Macuja Elizalde, creating her version Le Corsaire has always been a dream: “I have always wanted to re-work Le Corsaire. When I was dancing the role of Medora, I found her character to be a damsel in distress waiting for Conrad to save her; getting captured twice. I wanted to change the order of the main dances in Le Corsaire as well, because I always felt that there should be a build-up to the main dances.”

She also notes that part of the charm of Le Corsaire is that all main characters are given the chance to shine: “For me, the main draw and importance of staging a Le Corsaire is the fact that there are many principal characters that all have their respective times to shine and show off technical and virtuosic feats as the ballet unfolds.”

From the swashbuckling tale of romantic adventure, Ballet Manila brings well-loved Filipino tales to life with Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang on May 11, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., and May 12 & 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. For this special production, Ballet Manila has partnered with Anvil Publishing with an aim to keep the legacy of renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes, alive. The ballet versions are based on multi-awarded children’s book writer Christine Bellen Ang’s retelling of Severino Reyes’ stories.

“The idea to create a ballet from the Anvil Publishing books of Mga Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang came about during my children's book fair,” she recalls. “I saw the entire collection of children's books displayed in their school library, and I bought all 12. Then I called a meeting with my artistic team. I put all 12 books on the table and told them to choose one to make into a ballet.”

Finding all stories to be worth sharing to a wider audience, the artistic team had a difficult time selecting only three stories but eventually ended up with those whose themes centered on romance, adventure and comedy. Thus, Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang was born.

Anvil Publishing president Xandra Ramos Padilla considers Ballet Manila’s staging of the Lola Basyang series as an excellent opportunity to instill pride among local theater goers. “We hope it reaches and inspires more people to appreciate and support different forms of local art and culture. An original Filipino story performed through dance is something that the Philippines can be proud of,” she says, adding that Lola Basyang's stories are “well and widely-loved by generations because they teach values and help instill a child's love for reading.

“The whimsical illustrations in the picture books transport you to magical worlds—a visual spectacle successfully translated onstage by Ballet Manila,” added Padilla.

Adding even more buzz to the show is celebrated performing artist Mitch Valdes who will be taking on the role of Lola Basyang. Having been active in the local theater and entertainment scene for over 50 years, the seasoned comic-singer-actress has played highly-acclaimed roles in such well-publicized productions as Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress, and in the musicale Katy! for which she is remembered for her outstanding performance as Katy dela Cruz. She has also starred in highly-acclaimed movies such as Oro, Plata, Mata; Manila by Night; and Bulaklak sa City Jail.

This time, audiences will see her perform her version of Lola Basyang with her signature wit and humor. Asked how she will make her character different, Mitch gleefully replies: “I will ask Lisa (Macuja) if Lola Basyang can get up from her rocking chair for some choreography. Maybe up on pointe for five seconds!”

On a more serious note, the multi-awarded comedienne and actress extolls the concept of having local classics featured along world-renowned masterpieces. “We’re familiar with all the international classics but this one is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklores come to life in classical ballet. It will be beautiful because the story is one of our own.”

Completing the 26th Performance Season is Giselle, an ethereal, romantic ballet that tackles love, tragedy and loss, and will be performed on August 31, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. until September 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

“I think calling our 2024 performance season “Ballet Masterpieces” is spot on because of the ballets that are featured. Le Corsaire and Giselle are both full-length classical ballet masterpieces, while Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will feature three stories in one show. I love how our season will have two major classics!” she shared.

For the rest of the year, Ballet Manila is set to continue to showcase its unwavering artistry and excellence with the world premiere of Gerardo Francisco’s and Martin Lawrance’s cutting-edge version of Florante at Laura on October 12, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., October 13 & 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Through its continuing partnership with Aréte Ateneo, audiences will get to enjoy Gerardo Francisco’s iteration of the Filipino classical tale Ang Ibong Adarna, at the Areté Theater in November 2024.

Finally, the ballet company continues to celebrate its tradition of bringing the spirit of Christmas spirit alive through its Holiday Cheer Series. This year, the young and young at heart will get to enjoy Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s take on Snow White and will be staged on December 25 to 30, 2024.

“We hope that by the end of our 26th Performance Season, the Filipino audience will re-discover and have a newfound appreciation for classical ballet as well as our vibrant Filipino culture through the shows that we have worked very hard to prepare,” said Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Direct link to buy tickets here : https://bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMLeCorsaire2024

To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

Sarong Banggi, Ballet Philippines’ tribute to Filipino music and dance on October 16-18

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Rediscover local musical treasures in a new ballet about the Filipino family. Ballet Philippines’ Sarong Banggi features new works by six exciting Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Cayabyab, the country’s best-loved composer. This show is co-presented by the Province of Albay.

The show features choreography by Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis. Each choreographer brings to the stage his/her unique impression of the Filipino family in a new contemporary ballet with the cast led by Jean Marc Cordero, Earl John Arisola, Rita Angela Winder, and Monica Amanda Gana.

“Sarong Banggi will tug at the audience’s heartstrings with its nostalgic music and earnest look at traditional Filipino values,” says Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales”. “It will be interesting to see these choreographers’ different takes on familiar themes; love, loss and reconciliation that cements the Filipino family”

When asked by Morales to create two pieces for the show, Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis was thrilled at the chance to come home and work with Ballet Philippines again. “As a Filipino living overseas, I felt that it was my responsibility to give back.” Pacis, former soloist of the Hong Kong Ballet is a two-time awardee for Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

Sarong Banggi’s opening night on October 16 is a Filipiniana Gala featuring the live performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Cayabyab himself.

The music of the show was recently created by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the special Collector’s Edition CD entitled “Serenata: Well-loved Philippine Folk Songs and Melodies”. Included in the album are the Kapampangan “Atin cu Pung Singsing”, the Hiligaynon “Ay Kalisud”, and the Tagalog “Dalagang Pilipina” and “Saranggola ni Pepe”, among others.

Sarong Banggi’s libretto is by Dennis Marasigan, lighting design by Meliton Roxas Jr., sets by Ohm David, and costume design by Rajo Laurel.

Sarong Banggi will be performed from October 16 to 18 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Major sponsors of Ballet Philippines’ 46th Season include Globe Platinum, San Miguel Corporation, and Belle Corporation.

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #dancespring, #sarongbanggi

Dance this Summer at the Ballet Philippines Dance School

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Now on its 46th year, the CCP Summer Dance Workshop is once again paving the way for young dance talents to achieve their dreams to become professional dancers.

Starting on April 7, 2015, dance students from all over the country will flock to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the five week-long summer dance workshop. Esteemed Ballet Philippines current company members and alumni will guide these aspirants in honing their craft. The workshop gives courses in Classical Ballet for all ages, Modern & Contemporary Ballet, Creative Movement, Jazz, and Hip Hop for kids and teens.

The workshop will conclude with two grand performances of a double-bill program: “Flower Festival” back to back with “Wonderland” on May 9 and 10 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).. “Flower Festival” will feature excerpts from Aguste Bournounville’s “Flower Festival at Genzano” along with other dances, while “Wonderland” adds a new kind of groove to the beloved classic, featuring the contemporary, jazz, and hip hop dance classes.

Scholarship auditions for the CCP Summer Dance Workshop will be held on February 28 and March 21, at the CCP Rehearsal Hall. Provincial applicants may also audition on April 7. Scholarships are available for students aged 9 to 13, intermediate & advanced students, and promising males from any dance background.

The Ballet Philippines Dance School also branched out of the CCP premises, offering dance classes at the SM Aura Premiere with faculty from the Ballet Philippines network of dance artists. Aside from the usual children’s classical and modern ballet classes, the school at SM Aura Premier also offers the Ballet Philippines Fitness Program workout, a set of exercises created for women who are looking for new ways to tone and exercise their bodies; Ladies’ Ballet, which is a basic ballet class; Active Stretch, a body shaping, toning, and strengthening program; and Flamenco dance classes.

The Ballet Philippines Dance School (BPDS) is the professional training ground of the country’s most promising young talents in dance. With a unique curriculum that encompasses various dance styles and techniques, the systematized method and approach to instruction takes highly into account children’s anatomy and psyche at various ages and levels so that the training is physically safe, technically effective and artistically enriching for students of all ages.

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ccpdanceschool

www.facebook.com/bpdanceschoolaura

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @ccpdanceschool

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

See you at the studio!

Ballet Philippine’s launches “The Sapphire Season” on May 21

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Enjoy the wonderful world of theater ! 

THEATER NEWS 2014: BALLET PHILIPPINES SET TO LAUNCH 45TH ANNIVERSARY – THE SAPPHIRE SEASON ON MAY 21

BP’s Sapphire Season: 10 Things You Should Be Excited About!

1. Opening our season is the award winning choreography of Agnes Locsin, LA REVOLUCION FILIPINA, with a libretto by Dennis Marasigan and set to the music of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. This “powerful and poignant” production will give you another reason to be honored to be born of the Filipino race.

2. Guest Artists from the American Ballet Theater (ABT) essay the roles of Giselle and Albrecht in our Fundraising Gala of GISELLE. Watch out for ABT Soloist Stella Abrera and Principal Dancer James Whiteside as they dance with Ballet Philippines. Did we mention that Ms. Stella Abrera is a Filipina?! More Philippine pride!

3. THE BLUE MOON GALA and THE HOMECOMING GALA: two “once in a blue moon” gatherings of BP’s dance community celebrating its 45 years.

4. Ballet Philippines will go on a US Tour on October 2014 – Get ready, West Coast!

5. Alice Reyes’ CINDERELLA will bring merriment to families – especially to children – as this happy production’s comeback will surely bring fun to the Yuletide season!

6. Ballet + superheroes + the music of Eraserheads back when they were in UP all in one production = MANHID: THE FILIPINO SUPERHERO MUSICAL, which will bring the season to a rocking close. This production features Tanghalang Pilipino was created by Auraeus Solito and choreographed by Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales and Resident Choreographer Alden Lugnasin

7. Three schools of Ballet Philippines officially opened in the beginning of the season – CCP Dance School (for its 45th Summer Dance Workshop), Ballet Philippines Dance School in SM Aura and Studio 1 near Folk Arts Theater. More space, more opportunity for young dance talents!

8. Ballet Philippines goes to USA International Ballet Competition and Varna International Ballet Competition. Support our dancers who DREAM BIG!

9. MANanayaw, a documentary on the male dancers of Ballet Philippines, will be part of Cine Totoo: the First Philippine International Documentary Film Festival!

10. Ballet Philippines now offers FLEXIBLE SUBSCRIPTION where you can choose 4-series, 3-series, and 2 -series. Subscribers can get to choose the productions they want this early, choose seats before they are posted publicly, and save up to 25 percent!

Join us and without your enthusiastic support, where would we be?
THANK YOU FOR A GLORIOUS 45th YEAR!