The Ballet Manila Archives is the repository of documents, print, photographic, audio and video materials and memorabilia relating to the history of Ballet Manila and the life and career of its founder, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. This site is powered by Ms. Elizalde and Project Art, Inc.
“I can’t believe that it has already been 10 years,” muses the ballerina.
In the Philippines, in 1993, the fourth week of April was also designated by President Fidel V. Ramos as National Dance Week.
Reacting to a story about Shamira’s promotion, Lisa Macuja Elizalde commented of the ballerina: “Beautiful expressive and academic technique. Strong and true! What an artist you will become, Shamira!”
Dance uplifts the body above the earth into the heavenlies. Dance bound up with faith is a testimony to the living grace of God.
In this video, Lisa is seen putting together the choreography during Paquita’s first rehearsal. Joining her are principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro, Mark Sumaylo and Romeo Peralta Jr.
“It really shows how tough our industry is and passion and love for the art is really what pushes you to keep dancing.”
The lowly broom was a favorite prop in La Fille Mal Gardee, Cinderella and Snow White, figuring in scenes that drew much laughter in between the romance.
Dance is so important in the world, it needs no language. Our bodies speak a language of its own.
To cap its 20th season in March 2016, and in anticipation of the next to come, Ballet Manila put together BM 21: A Ballet Concert.
Shamira Drapete was visibly stunned when Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde announced her promotion from company member to soloist.
Having been born lean and growing up exposed to all sorts of sports, John Ralp Balagot never faced difficulties in managing his weight.
Behaving like a princess is work. It's not just about looking beautiful or wearing a crown. It's more about how you are inside.
Sleeping Beauty will be the shared offering of Ballet Manila and Manila Symphony Orchestra as they open their respective seasons.
Taking a long view of the situation, the pair is now using their observations to assess the abilities of the dancers and better assist BM artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde in managing the company.
“Overall, the Ibong Adarna took flight and soared high without hesitation.”
He puts forward that being a soloist comes with the awareness that one is inevitably going to be someone whom the younger dancers look up to, “kaya kailangan good example ako lagi.”
In this clip are photos from the show, highlighting the seamless merging of The Dawn’s percussive sound with Ballet Manila’s artistry and technique.
Sergey Vikulov’s three-act Romeo & Juliet which Ballet Manila restaged in February 2007 at Star Theater is Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s favorite among all the versions she had danced of the ballet.
