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.
“BM danced amidst a corps de ballet of frogs and bats, with the occasional guest appearances of a dog or cat.”
Lisa is proud that Ballet Manila has been the home of classics, continuing to present ballets created over a century ago.
“My mom recommended that I take classes with Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s company, and though I was only a guest at her studio for two days, it made a big impact on my technique and dancing.”
We take a peek at those moments when instruments hit the right notes in Ballet Manila productions.
“It would not be surprising if Ballet Manila would soon be the Philippines' definitive classical dance company."“
In the thick of preparations for The Pearl Gala, the show that opens Ballet Manila's 30th anniversary in March, Lisa is in a nostalgic mood as she recalls moments shared with both men.
Ballet Manila celebrates a special milestone as a professional dance company with its performance season titled Ballet Manila @30.
“We’re only a month old, but what an exciting, fulfilling month it has been.”
“Looking back, yes, it took a lot of guts. We were the new ballet company going against two big ones."
Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde described it as a “show to swoon to.” And rightly so, because the edition of Ballet Manila’s popular Ballet & Ballads series in February 2010 was none other than premier balladeer Basil Valdez.
“Before the competition, ayaw gumana ng double tour ko. Parang biglang nawala.”
As the Year of the Snake begins, we look back at Ballet Manila’s “hiss-tery” – those moments when serpents of differing sizes slithered their way on to the stage and into the spotlight.
Talent will only take you so far, and it is your ability to feel the music and explore a movement that will bring you the greatest pleasure in dance.
By this time, the company has already gone back to the studio for daily classes and rehearsals, with everyone eager for a coming milestone – the 30th performance season dubbed “The Pearl Year”.
We caught up with some of BM’s finest to ask where they went and what they did to refresh and recharge during their recent break.
After wrapping up a particularly packed last-quarter calendar in 2024, Ballet Manila took a well-deserved breather.
