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
While talented and determined to put in the hours, this ballet-loving teenager never expected to take home the prestigious award in December 2023.
John Balagot is no stranger to dancing on stages outside the Philippines. Before
Just when Sean Pelegrin thought that his 2023 would return to the usual chill off-season days after doing guestings with dance schools, he gets a career-changing phone call from Ballet Manila’s co-artistic associate Gerardo Francisco Jr. one Thursday morning.
Dancing the lead part in a full-length performance is what Shaira Comeros had been looking forward to since she was promoted to principal artist in late 2022.
This dancer had the athlete’s reflexes, the muscle mass to lift just about any female partner, and most importantly, the disposition to listen and be obedient towards coaches whose counterparts in ballet are the teachers in the studio and anyone else more experienced than him.
The Ballet Manila company member underlines that everything begins with the desire to dance.
Stephanie shares that she would very much love to grow with Ballet Manila and along the way, be able to dance fierce characters and impactful contemporary pieces.
Rodney is optimistic that more opportunities and projects are in store for the artists of Ballet Manila, and he’s very much willing to take on any role – even multiple roles – to give people a good show.
Abi has come a long way in understanding the magic of Adarna and has embraced the character completely that she is unable to imagine herself performing any other role in this ballet.
Like his character in Ibong Adarna – Don Juan, the youngest brother among three princes – danseur Joshua Enciso feels he still has to prove himself to his elders in Ballet Manila.
Once the armor is on and the death stare is in place, expect Romeo the amiable danseur to fade and Diego the fierce prince to appear, ready to stir trouble on stage.
While the return to being the prince is a welcome one, Mark appreciates that he has been able to take on a variety of parts in the full-length ballet.
As much as he tries to downplay it, principal dancer Gerardo Francisco Jr. is the resident perfectionist of Ballet Manila. He sees everything and has no qualms about making corrections when necessary.
Having been the recipient of love and support since he entered ballet, this artist wants nothing more than to repay his second family with kindness and hard work.
For sure, being in ballet helped prepare Romeo for fatherhood. “I’ve learned many things during my 23 years here, and really, I’m nothing but grateful,” concludes the danseur.
For Don Quixote, Ballet Manila’s co-artistic associate has the best seat in the house – as rehearsal master, coach and dancer.
San Francisco Ballet principal artist Esteban Hernandez got on a plane that took him halfway across the globe and, upon reaching the Philippines, was pleasantly surprised to find himself feeling like he was back in Guadalajara, Mexico where he was born and raised and first dreamt of becoming a ballet dancer at age 7.
With the performance dates of Don Quixote coming up, the two are living for every rehearsal, hoping to make everyone fall in love with the passionate couple known as Mercedes and Espada.
Much of a ballerina’s life has to do with being able to adapt to changes, and this seems to be what principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames has been experiencing this performance season.
