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 Interviews
Katherine Barkman was so thrilled when the plane touched down that she could only think of one thing: She was home, finally.
It did not come as a surprise that all it took was a Facebook message to convince Marcelino to come home to the Philippines and take part in a fundraising concert.
"Napaginipan ko si Sir Shaz (Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso)!" exclaims the fresh college graduate. "Sa dream ko po, sumasayaw kami sa Aliw Theater. Tapos biglang itinigil ni Sir Shaz ang music at sinigaw ang pangalan ko. 'Jiaaaaaan!'“
The challenging memory work, partnered by aching muscles, made him want to go back to just playing around in Leveriza every afternoon. But at the same time, his interest in dance was stoked right there in the Ballet Manila studio.
Recently, this teenage ballerina placed first in the Junior B Division of the Asian Grand Prix Manila Regionals, securing for herself a spot in the AGP International Ballet Competition to be held in Hong Kong in August.
The presence of Hyuma Kiyosawa in Manila – though temporary – was immediately felt. His powerful yet refined dancing, along with his affable personality, made him an instant fan-favorite in the local dance community.
“I decided that my one activity would be ballet, and I’m very glad that it turned out to be something that I enjoy,” shares Akari.
In their early teens when they first started learning ballet, brothers Emmerson and Eduardson Evangelio would encounter many hurdles that could have discouraged them from dancing.
Since coaching and being an older brother to the others came naturally to him, the transition from danseur to a teacher was not so difficult for Robert.
Asked if they’re ready to work as soloists, the three admit that they are nervous of the pressures that come with the job; but really, more than anything, they are excited.
Evidently, Pia and Mark are up to the challenge of being Ballet Manila’s principals, as well as any task that would take them beyond their comfort zones.
Born in Japan, this charming talent reveals that since the beginning, she had always been obsessed with ballet.
All sorts of surprises have been thrown at Jessica Pearl Dames’ way ever since preparations for Deux, Ballet Manila’s season finale, started.
This talent from Japan moves so effortlessly and fearlessly that one would think that she's been dancing professionally for years. In truth, however, this ballerina is still going through many firsts.
Much like his previous collaborations with Ballet Manila, The Winding Road – which will premiere in the company’s season finale Deux – is very close to his heart, especially since the songs used is music he began listening to as a boy
To date, Rodney’s most memorable production has been Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, which also happened to be his first performance as a professional danseur.
A fun fact about Ballet Manila company artist Nanami Hasegawa is that she never really lived in the country she was born in.
Joan believes that Cinderella enchants everyone in the theater in a special way.
Stepping into Cinderella’s shoes – make that glass slippers – was a dream-come-true for ballerina Abigail Oliveiro.
Her connection to the company actually started five years ago, when she visited the Philippines for the first time.
