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 In Their Own Words
“If you don’t feel okay then you have to pray more. If you’re still not okay, you have to pray harder.”
“My promise to myself is that I will dance until my body can do it.”
“Doon tayo sa baba muna, dito sa umpisa tapos paangat nang paangat para maka-adapt ako.”
“The artist that your student will become is the stuff that is his or her very own, refined by the tradition in which they are taught.”
“I hoped someday someone would see it but it didn’t matter because I knew I don’t want to give up and I knew my passion is still there.”
“Pinasayaw po nila ako. Pinakamalaking role ko po yung Sari’t Bahag. “
“Mahirap po talaga ‘yung partnering kasi kailangan mong alalayan para safe yung ballerina.”
“After the curtains fall, there will always be a correction and you should always look for it.”
“I had never had my heart broken so I couldn’t really relate to going mad from a broken heart.”
“Parang mapapa-isip ka na lang: ‘Bakit ko ba ito inumpisahan? Bakit ko ba ito pinasok?’”
“Ang hirap kasi kapag gusto mong sumayaw pero may nararamdaman ka, kailangan mo talagang ipahinga.”
“Do your best; huwag kabahan; isipin n’yo ‘yung mga pina-practice n’yo, sayang! “
“I am a girl of doubt. I always restrain myself so easily.”
“Everyone has something to offer. But not everyone looks interesting.”
“You have to prepare your mind because you will reach that point wherein you feel frustrated when you can’t do it.”
