Ballet Manila will perform in the closing program of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2017 slated on November 14 at the PICC Plenary Hall.

Sixteen dancers will interpret the pop-rap song While we are Young, as choreographed by Ballet Manila principal dancer and resident choreographer Gerardo Francisco.

The dance has a contemporary flavor, according to Francisco, who is using flowy and sharp movements for the piece.

Francisco has choreographed numbers for cultural programs at gatherings of international leaders held in the Philippines. These include Tara Lets (a number which has since become a staple for Ballet Manila), Anting-Anting and Archipelago of Sounds – performed in events relating to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in various years.

BM artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde posted on social media photos of Francisco and the 16 dancers rehearsing the APEC number just before they were to perform in Lingayen, Pangasinan last Friday.

“No rest for the weary” was how she captioned the photographs, referring to BM’s packed schedule. The company is also preparing for its next production, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Snow White, which will have its world premiere on November 25 at Aliw Theater.