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.
In this clip, the company can be seen rehearsing that pivotal scene where the audience gets to see the Adarna bird for the first time in all her glory. Reprising the lead role is principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro. Ibong Adarna returns to the stage on Aug. 19 and 20 at the Aliw Theater.
In this special edition, as Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna makes its return to the stage on August 19 and 20 at Aliw Theater, we share photos from its various productions and pictorials as it put the spotlight on the color brown.
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.
In 1996, Ballet Manila embarked on its first tour to the United States, with its first stop being the Big Apple in June.
In this video, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde is partnered by principal dancer Rudy De Dios. Narrating the story is the late actress Luz Fernandez whose portrayal of Lola Basyang was an important part of many Filipinos’ childhood.
After being sidelined by the pandemic, Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna finally returns to the stage on August 19 and 20 at Aliw Theater.
A real ballerina must fill her space with her own personality.
Displaying their Vaganova training, two Ballet Manila scholars and eight other students of the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet garnered awards and scholarships at the recently concluded International Ballet Grand Prix.
Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna, one of Ballet Manila’s most successful original full-length productions, returns to the stage this August.
Ballet is purifying, every movement physically honed and essential, with no superfluity or excess.
“Instead of practicing the things I feel comfortable with, I’m gonna practice the things I’m not so good at.”
“I have to be fit kasi kailangan ito sa trabaho ko. That’s my main motivation,” underlines Joshua. “Being fit is really about knowing your body so you can manage it.”
We join the celebration of International Fairy Day, June 24, with a look at the fairies who have enchanted their way into our hearts through Ballet Manila’s stories.
In 2016, the country's three professional ballet companies – Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines and Philippine Ballet Theater – joined forces to stage the first of what was envisioned as a biennial event: Dance.MNL.
For I have trained myself and am training myself always to be able to dance lightly in the service of thought.
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.
With the upcoming observance of Father’s Day on June 18, we take a look at the dads – the good, the bad and the in-between – that have made their presence felt at the ballet.
