Ballet Manila Archives

Jun 5

Jun 5 Why Monique Valera refuses to quit ballet

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.

Jun 3

Jun 3 Talk about dance: Gene Kelly

Ballet Manila Archives

Talk About Dance

You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams. And I know if I can make you smile by jumping over a couple of couches or running through a rainstorm, then I’ll be very glad to be a song and dance man.

May 31

May 31 Ballet Dictionary: Practice Tutu

Ballet Manila Archives

Ballet Dictionary

A practice tutu or rehearsal tutu is just the bare half of the bottom part of a tutu.

May 30

May 30 20 Questions with Joshua Enciso

Ballet Manila Archives

20 Questions

The spotlight is on newly-promoted soloist Joshua Enciso for this episode of 20 Questions.

May 27

May 27 In Their Own Words: Marinette Franco on encouraging children to take up ballet

Ballet Manila Archives

In Their Own Words

“Ang every day goal is to be better than yesterday.”

May 25

May 25 This Month in BM History: May 2010

Ballet Manila Archives

This Month In BM History

In 2010, Ballet Manila staged Giselle as part of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s 25th anniversary as a professional ballerina.

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 20

May 20 Ballet Dictionary: Props

Ballet Manila Archives

Ballet Dictionary

These are objects that can help depict the character’s world or help enhance a stage environment.

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 16

May 16 Japanese ambassador hosts reception for Ballet Manila

Ballet Manila Archives

News

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Haneda congratulated Ballet Manila on the success of its recently concluded 23rd season, saying how fortunate he was to have watched the final show, Deux, and to have seen the five Japanese dancers perform in it.

May 12

May 12 The Lisa Macuja-Elizalde I know

Ballet Manila Archives

Features

Most people know Lisa Macuja-Elizalde as the prima ballerina. But for me she is, quite simply, “Mama.”

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.

May 9

May 9 25 Life Lessons I Learned From Ballet - #17

Ballet Manila Archives

25 Life Lessons

17. Timing is crucial!

May 3

May 3 My Favorite Dance Movie: Emma Harris

Ballet Manila Archives

My Favorite Dance Movie

Dancing with a company that subscribes to the Russian Vaganova training method, it is perhaps no surprise that Ballet Manila company artist Emma Harris points to Backstage at the Kirov as her film of choice.

May 1

May 1 Ballet Dictionary: Piqué

Ballet Manila Archives

Ballet Dictionary

To Piqué is to describe a movement where a transfer of weight occurs.

Apr 29

Apr 29 Ballet Manila artists: Then and now

Ballet Manila Archives

Features

Second of a series: Inspired by the 10-year challenge, the Ballet Manila Archives searched for images featuring some of the company’s artists during their earlier dancing days and more recent ones showing what they look like today.

Apr 27

Apr 27 20 Questions with John Ralp Balagot

Ballet Manila Archives

20 Questions

In this edition of 20 Questions, company artist John Ralp Balagot talks about his favorite food that he cooks himself.

Apr 26

Apr 26 This Month in BM History: April 1996

Ballet Manila Archives

This Month In BM History

On two moonlit nights in April 1996, Ballet Manila presented the world premiere of Osias Barroso’s historical dance-drama, Gabriela ng Vigan.

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.