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.
There is a reason why the second act of the ballet Giselle is especially haunting. It is dominated by the wilis.
It is one of the most coveted roles in classical ballet. Very few remember, however, that the male lead of Giselle was originally named Albert, Duke of Silesa, rather than Count Albrecht.
Giselle was a peasant girl enjoying the simple things in life. But the dancer that the ballet was choreographed for was anything but.
As Giselle returns to the stage on August 31 and September 1 at Aliw Theater, we look back to the company’s many performances of the classic and celebrate Ballet Manila’s history of excellence.
Here’s a sneak peek into the rehearsals of principal dancer Joshua Enciso as Florante expressing his despair and desperation through dance while tied to a makeshift tree, his movements timed to the music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab.
For Giselle, one of the most cherished works in classical ballet, world-renowned principal dancer Renata Shakirova and soloist Alexei Timofeyev of the Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, have been flown in to the Philippines to perform with Ballet Manila.
I didn't even know dancing was a profession. I just had to do it.
That weight management comes hand-in-hand with ballet was something that Ballet Manila company artist Elyssabeth Apilado always accepted ever since she was a scholar.
Through the years, Ballet Manila has had a successful series of productions dubbed Halo-Halo.
Technique – bodily control – must be mastered only because the body must not stand in the way of the soul’s expression.
Ballet Manila scholar and Lisa Macuja School of Ballet student Germaine Dawal continued his winning streak, bagging the gold award in Classical Ballet and the silver award for Contemporary in the Senior 17-21 category.
“Kung hindi ka maayos mag-klase, huwag ka nang umasa na maayos ’yung sayaw mo sa competition.”
One of the most successful Romantic ballets ever to grace the stage, Giselle tells the story of love, loss, forgiveness and redemption that has resonated among balletomanes for over one hundred years.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we should dance.
Though still in its early stages, we get a sneak peek into the opening sequence of Florante at Laura – an action-packed choreography created on the music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab that sets the stage for the adventure ahead.
Agnes Locsin’s Arachnida is among Ballet Manila’s most performed pas de deux.
May all your shuffle hop steps dance lightly on your sole. And you never experience a cramp in your roll.
