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
Many ballerinas dream of adding a princess role to their repertoire. Ballet Manila’s Emma Harris is no exception to this.
Nicole Barroso is a newly minted 18-year-old. But Ballet Manila’s youngest soloist didn’t need to reach this age to feel like an adult.
To describe the life and career of Ballet Manila company artist Xiu Ling Tan is to recite every single inspirational meme that social media has ever produced and made viral.
Gratitude was foremost in the minds of Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and company artist Sayaka Ishibashi upon learning that one show of Giselle would still push through after a fire devastated the Star City complex.
Like the character they are set to portray in special shows of Giselle this weekend, Ballet Manila principal dancers Romeo Peralta and Mark Sumaylo describe their journey to performing Albrecht with one word: emotional.
Ballet Manila's delegation to the 2019 Asian Grand Prix in Hong Kong last August ended with the triumph of their “bunso” (youngest member), then 11-year-old Juan Angelo de Leon.
Despite having performed the role twice before, Joan is never one to rest on her laurels.
The ballet classic Giselle has a soft spot in Osias “Shaz” Barroso’s heart.
“It was very fulfilling because it showed off Ballet Manila and the teaching we can offer.”
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.
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.
