Ballet Manila Archives

Aug 5

Aug 5 Fiona Delos Santos breaks out of her shell through ballet

When she stopped, she began to realize that she missed the body pains ballet brings, the constructive criticism that teachers would give her, and of course, the joy of dancing.

Jul 20

Jul 20 For Katherine Barkman, Ballet Manila is in the heart

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

Katherine Barkman was so thrilled when the plane touched down that she could only think of one thing: She was home, finally.

Jul 12

Jul 12 Marcelino Libao: Dancing over difficult waters

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

Jul 5

Jul 5 Called to dance: Jillian Villanueva returns to Ballet Manila

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

"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!'“

Jun 13

Jun 13 Danseur John Carl Concepcion reflects on what ballet has taught him

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

Jun 5

Jun 5 Why Monique Valera refuses to quit ballet

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

May 23

May 23 A home for Hyuma in Ballet Manila

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

May 17

May 17 Why company member Akari Ida chose ballet and continues to love it

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

“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.

May 11

May 11 Emmerson and Eduardson Evangelio: Brothers bonded by ballet

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

Apr 24

Apr 24 Robert Peralta: Teaching ballet is in the heart

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

Apr 17

Apr 17 For Ballet Manila’s new soloists, the learning never stops

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

Apr 12

Apr 12 Newly promoted principals Pia Dames and Mark Sumaylo: Ready to go beyond their comfort zones

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

Mar 8

Mar 8 How Sayaka Ishibashi made ballet her ‘mission possible’

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

Born in Japan, this charming talent reveals that since the beginning, she had always been obsessed with ballet.

Feb 28

Feb 28 Jessica Pearl Dames: Always striving to be a better ballerina

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

All sorts of surprises have been thrown at Jessica Pearl Dames’ way ever since preparations for Deux, Ballet Manila’s season finale, started.

Feb 11

Feb 11 Kotomi Narai: Using ballet as her voice

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.

Feb 7

Feb 7 Long and winding road leads Martin Lawrance to a Beatles-inspired choreography – at last!

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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

Jan 14

Jan 14 Company artist Rodney Catubay on going with the flow of ballet

Ballet Manila Archives

Interviews

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.