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.
On its tenth year in 2005, Ballet Manila staged anew the warhorse Swan Lake that August.
Following up on their successful participation in last July’s International Ballet Grand Prix, Ballet Manila scholars Angelo De Leon and John Stanley Alamer bagged new honors at the Asian Grand Prix Global Regional Competition.
Ballet Manila has highlighted some of these historical figures in choreographies that, while extolling their virtuous traits, also explore inner struggles which humanize them and make them relatable to present-day audiences.
In this clip, we revisit Ibong Adarna with principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro in the title role together with fellow principal dancers Mark Sumaylo, Romeo Peralta Jr. and Joshua Enciso as the brothers tasked to search for her.
Rodney is optimistic that more opportunities and projects are in store for the artists of Ballet Manila, and he’s very much willing to take on any role – even multiple roles – to give people a good show.
Abi has come a long way in understanding the magic of Adarna and has embraced the character completely that she is unable to imagine herself performing any other role in this ballet.
Like his character in Ibong Adarna – Don Juan, the youngest brother among three princes – danseur Joshua Enciso feels he still has to prove himself to his elders in Ballet Manila.
Once the armor is on and the death stare is in place, expect Romeo the amiable danseur to fade and Diego the fierce prince to appear, ready to stir trouble on stage.
While the return to being the prince is a welcome one, Mark appreciates that he has been able to take on a variety of parts in the full-length ballet.
For Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, there are many lessons to be learned in Ibong Adarna.
As much as he tries to downplay it, principal dancer Gerardo Francisco Jr. is the resident perfectionist of Ballet Manila. He sees everything and has no qualms about making corrections when necessary.
You can’t be afraid of stepping on toes if you want to go dancing.
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.
