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.
At its first stop in Ohio, Ballet Manila received citations from local officials, notably the state governor and the city mayor.
Not only did Marius Petipa revise the swashbuckling adventure’s key dances but also introduced two new dance numbers.
Of the many minor characters in the lengthy roster of Don Quixote the ballet, no one heats up the dance floor like Mercedes and Espada do.
The transcription below is of a thank-you letter from Sr. Violeta, FdCC, of the Canossian Sisters, addressed to Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
A noble man from La Mancha is the unlikely hero in renowned Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece, The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha.
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.
To sprinkle special on our ordinary days, we add music. We sing. We dance.
Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde attributes her 30-year career in classical dance to the Vaganova technique which she learned in Russia.
But unlike other ballet princes, Basilio was not just a supporting partner to Kitri. He was an equally prominent figure in both the narrative and the choreography.
He may be “Dad” to prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, but for the extended family that is Ballet Manila, Cesar Macuja is also looked up to as a second father.
Geri is referred to as "Dad" as he has always stayed true to this real-life role of his, regardless of how tough and crazy his ballet schedule would get.
Don’t become a follower, begin to take a chance. Try becoming a dreamer and create your own dance.
In this clip is the performance from 1998 of Sabihin Mo by the Smokey Mountain.
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.
Believe that there’s a tomorrow, where no one cares if you can’t dance. Believe in the future’s promise each new day brings a new chance.
Because the coronavirus hit the country just days after his promotion – announced before the audience at the close of Ballet Manila’s 24th season in March 2020 – John Balagot found himself taking on a different set of challenges.
“I hoped someday someone would see it but it didn’t matter because I knew I don’t want to give up and I knew my passion is still there.”
