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
The main character of Francisco Balagtas' masterpiece is an exemplary man who believes in pure love and unassuming kindness.
“A ballet dancer’s work is never done!” declared Lisa Macuja Elizalde. “We continue to always take class, train, and push our bodies to the limit in order to perform effortlessly on stage.”
During the ravages of American colonialism in the Philippines in the first half of the twentieth century, he was hailed as a hero and role model by intellectuals and artists who believed in the enlightening power of language and poetry.
Though Balagtas’ work may have been based on the Filipino colonial experience in the 19th century, what he discusses is universal and timeless.
We celebrate this day dedicated to paternal figures who show love to their families by providing guidance, support and care with this feature on fathers who have graced the Ballet Manila stage.
As this year’s sweltering summer draws to a close, we celebrate the fan and take a breezy look at the varied forms and functions this implement has taken in Ballet Manila’s productions.
Joining the nostalgia bandwagon, we searched the Ballet Manila Archives photo files for this Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang then-and-now special.
To mark Mother’s Day, we take a quick look at these figures whose maternal instinct – or lack of it – contribute to making each story interesting.
To celebrate May, the month of flowers, we once again pluck images from the Ballet Manila Archives featuring an assortment of blooms in the company’s shows. Enjoy this year’s lovely bouquet!
Further boosting its reputation as the home of Filipino literary classics, Ballet Manila will premiere its dance adaptation of Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar’s masterpiece Florante at Laura in October.
Looking through the Ballet Manila Archives files, we found old photographs to pair with the new ones for this special “then and now” feature documenting a ballerina’s sentimental journey and celebrating a remarkable past.
Veteran singer-actress and comedienne Mitch Valdes is stepping into a turf that is new to her.
While Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Le Corsaire – Ballet Manila’s first production for its 26th performance season – is done, dusted, and relegated to the archives of the company, the show continues to weigh intensely in the minds of co-artistic associates Eileen Lopez and Gerardo Francisco Jr.
