Continuing its mission of bringing ballet to the people, Ballet Manila bares the first performance this year of its signature Ballet & Ballads series, as presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company. 

The show goes onstage at the LLC Auditorium in Calamba, Laguna. 

This edition of Ballet & Ballads highlights a 15-minute excerpt of Cinderella which was a big pre-holiday hit for BM in 2016. 

Abigail Oliveiro steps into the lead role with real-life partner Mark Sumaylo as her dashing prince in the grand ballroom scene where they meet for the first time. Jonathan Janolo as the Stepmother and and Jasmine Pia Dames and Violet Hong as the Stepsisters provide merriment to this fairy tale number.

In another special treat, prima ballerina and BM artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde makes a special appearance. Though semi-retired, she couldn't pass up the chance to dance the dramatic Dying Swan once more. 

Ballet & Ballads also features singer Luke Mejares.

Principal artist Katherine Barkman is paired with Francis Cascano in Rose Adagio. Joan Emery Sia and Alfren Salgado perform M.A.Z.N., a modern piece that always becomes a crowd favorite. The repertoire also includes the humorous Katawan, featuring the Ballet Manila boys, and several other numbers.

A unique showcase of dance and song, Ballet & Ballads has been taken to many parts of the country through the years. Its line-up of classical ballet, modern choreography using OPM and familiar pop songs gives it a broad appeal among audiences, particularly students. For many, it is their introduction to classical ballet.