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.
All in Features
Most people know Lisa Macuja-Elizalde as the prima ballerina. But for me she is, quite simply, “Mama.”
Second of a series: Inspired by the 10-year challenge, the Ballet Manila Archives searched for images featuring some of the company’s artists during their earlier dancing days and more recent ones showing what they look like today.
While he is not yet leaving the company, Rudy De Dios will be relinquishing his position as principal dancer when the next season begins in September.
In this YouTube age where one-minute clips of dancers spinning and executing complicated aerial acrobatics account for most people’s exposure to ballet, teaching the young ballerinas to slow down and focus on deliberate movements was a challenge.
A budding choreographer named Michael Fokine – then only 26 – created a ballet that broke away from the classical ballet tradition championed by Marius Petipa.
If the journey of the Vaganova ballet method were to be charted from its beginnings in Russia, it would show an unlikely destination in the Philippines that then branches out to other points in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 10-year challenge – a game wherein people are encouraged to post photographs of themselves from 10 years ago alongside a current photo – has proven to be a popular source of amusement on social media.
As it welcomes a new year, Ballet Manila celebrates the highlights of 2018,
Sharing their personal thoughts on this special season are company artists Jessica Pearl Dames and Shaira Comeros, BM 2 artist John Carl Concepcion with former Ballet Manila dancer Alvin Santos, Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila instructor Sofia Sangco Peralta, and rehearsal mistress Eileen Lopez.
Ballet Manila's latest interpretation of the popular story uses pointe shoes instead of glass slippers, but all the classic elements remain in this pre-holiday spectacle.
Among the most recognizable figures in art, Cinderella – with her glass slipper – has been featured repeatedly and prominently in literature, film, painting, music, dance, and fashion all over the world.
Every dashing pirate needs a malevolent villain and the epic ballet Le Corsaire is no exception.
What gives this adventure ballet its heart is the friendship between the two female leads: Medora and Gulnara.
While it seems almost impossible to imagine Conrad without Ali, the original Le Corsaire choreographed by Joseph Mazillier does not include the loyal sidekick.
Despite being the ultimate damsel in distress in the world of ballet, the character of Medora is considered among the most sought-after roles in classical dance.
Ballet Manila has performed the full-length Le Corsaire as part of its regular season on seven occasions.
Principal dancer Abigail “Abi” Oliveiro – who took on the lead role as the Ibong Adarna – details her personal experiences and insights about the company’s time in Israel.
Yuriko Kajiya is one of the featured performers in Ballet Manila’s American Stars Gala
Born to a Filipino father and an American mother, Lia Cirio is also taking the opportunity to get to know her Philippine roots a little better in what will be her first visit to the country.
