@balletmanilaarchives

In Their Own Words

“I really just have to work with what I’ve got and try to make it work and do the best that I can.”

Jun 12

Jun 12 'Sayaw Pinoy' at Star City

In this clip are excerpts of Sayaw Pinoy – a tribute to a vibrant culture stemming from over a hundred years of independence.

Jun 9

Jun 9 Ballet Manila in Full Color: Flag colors unfurled

Ballet Manila finds inspiration in the colors of the Philippine flag.

Jun 7

Jun 7 Vegetarian out of convenience, Abigail Oliveiro finds a path to wellness

Keeping Fit

When Ballet Manila principal artist Abigail “Abi” Oliveiro first arrived in the Philippines, she was absolutely not a vegetarian.

Jun 5

Jun 5 Talk about dance: Steven Thompson

Talk About Dance

Dance is art; paint your dream and follow it.

May 31

May 31 This Month in BM History: May 1997

This Month In BM History

In 1997, the Department of Tourism and the Intramuros Administration commissioned Ballet Manila to create a Filipino-themed production for the Intramuros Evenings Performing Arts Series.

May 30

May 30 'Don Quixote' revisited

This clip is a slideshow of photographs featuring highlights of the beloved ballet classic that is synonymous with technically difficult but high-spirited dancing.

May 27

May 27 Under Construction: The joy of dancing ‘Don Quixote’

While waiting for the curtains to rise, here’s a sneak peek into the rehearsals.

May 25

May 25 Gerardo Francisco Jr. is everything, everywhere all at once

For Don Quixote, Ballet Manila’s co-artistic associate has the best seat in the house – as rehearsal master, coach and dancer.

May 23

May 23 Born ready: Ballet Manila guest artist Esteban Hernandez and his world of possibilities

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.

May 19

May 19 Ballet Manila Moments: The games we play

In this clip from 2010, the entire corps of Ballet Manila opens Pistang Pinoy with a dance highlighting assorted Filipino games – from luksong baka to bato-bato-pik.

May 17

May 17 Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo: Ready to fire up the stage anew as Don Q’s Mercedes and Espada

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.

May 14

May 14 Lessons from Mom

To celebrate Mother’s Day today, we asked seven Ballet Manila artists to talk about the most important female figure in their lives growing up.

May 12

May 12 Feistier than ever: Pia Dames returns as a stronger Kitri

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.

May 10

May 10 ‘Active rest’ helps Mark Sumaylo to stay healthy

Keeping Fit

If there is one thing that Ballet Manila principal dancer Mark Sumaylo cannot resist, it is the crackling sound of deep-fried pork beckoning him to eat.

May 9

May 9 The return of ‘Don Quixote’

With just three weeks to go before opening night, rehearsals are intensifying in Ballet Manila’s Studio 1 with artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde at the helm.

May 5

May 5 Olé! Don Quixote fun facts: #6 – Fantastic fan fare

The use of fans definitely adds to that Spanish verve in Don Quixote.

May 3

May 3 Petal attraction

In keeping with the festive tradition known as Flores de Mayo, we remember the moments when flowers appeared on the Ballet Manila stage – propelling the story along, underscoring key themes or simply livening up the scene, making each show bloom with limitless possibilities.

May 1

May 1 Ballet Manila Moments: Labor of Love