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 This Month In BM History
Just like the popular Filipino shaved-ice dessert it was named after, Ballet Manila’s Halo-Halo Supreme in August 2008 proved to be a delectable treat.
Touted as the “most popular ballet roadshow ever,” Ballet & Ballads headed for Northern Luzon in July 1998 for a show at the Don Alipio Fernandez Astrodome in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
East Meets West was a major event for the 113th observance of Philippine Independence, with the Philippine Embassy in London and The International Society of London as presentors of the show’s UK leg.
Carmen, the tale of tragedy and passion interpreted in dance by Ballet Manila artistic director Eric V. Cruz, went centerstage at the appropriately intimate Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) in May 1, 1996.
The festival – dubbed Shwak! Buhay na ang SuBAC – kicked off on April 16 with a motorcade followed by ribbon-cutting rites, the blessing and a theater tour of SuBAC, and cocktails.
For the double bill that was Carmina Burana & La Traviata – new choreographies based on familiar music and material – the premiere would be at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
In 2012, a trio of such choreographies premiered as part of the production dubbed Lab Ko ‘To.
Ballet Manila brought one of its treasured classics to Pampanga in January 2010.
Ballet Manila’s performance run of The Nutcracker in 2013 was special as it was tied in with artistic director and prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Swan Song Series.
A popular fairy tale transformed into a 21st century reality show – that is Ballet Manila’s Sinderela which had its world premiere in 2012.
Dance with me showcased nearly 30 photographs measuring 20” x 30”, each one focusing on movement rather than on poses.
La Bayadere (The Water Bearer or The Temple Dancer) was brought to the stage by Ballet Manila in all its intrigue-filled glory in September 2004 at Aliw Theater.
Ballet Manila marked its 15th anniversary in 2010. In August of that year, it opened its 15th performance season with a Crystal Gala titled Halo-Halo ni Juan.
East Meets West featured a repertoire composed of the company’s international touring staples, with classical, neo-classical, modern, ethnic and even “pop” ballets comprising a diverse selection.
The Swan, the Fairy and the Princess was a fitting finale to Ballet Manila’s 13th season and a grand tribute to the man whose ballet music will live forever.
Ballet Manila’s debut performance in Antique in January 1996 was a dual homecoming for two of its leaders, the late artistic director Eric V. Cruz and artistic associate/ principal ballerina Lisa Macuja.
After having had holiday crowd drawers in The Nutcracker, Pinocchio, Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang and Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw, Ballet Manila staged Maligayang Christmas with four shows in December 2011 at Aliw Theater.
Ballet Manila’s shows in Angeles City in November 1995 were doubly meaningful, coming just months after it had staged its first-ever performance as a company.
Between season productions in 2007, Ballet Manila took the time to co-present with the Cultural Center of the Philippines a show titled Music, Trio, Magic.
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s “Russian connection” was in full focus when Ballet Manila presented the world premiere of its Romeo and Juliet in 2001.
