Snow White state of mind: Joan Emery Sia and Elpidio Magat
Elpidio Magat and Joan Emery Sia: If they were dwarfs, these dancers say they would both be Sleepy. Photo by G-nie Arambulo
Talk about an evil queen and her all-knowing mirror, a princess on the run, seven dwarfs in the forest, a poisoned apple and a prince’s life-restoring kiss – and what do you get?
Snow White, but of course!
Ballet Manila brings to life this beloved story as the third production in its “Flights of Fantasy” season. As choreographed by artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, it combines a delightful dose of romance, adventure and comedy – with a touch of magic!
In fairy-tale mode since rehearsals started, Ballet Manila’s lead artists share their thoughts on random Snow White-related stuff... including the much-fabled “happily ever after”!
Joan Emery Sia
Which version of Snow White is the most memorable for you?
I love the Disney version. My favorite scene is the part where the woodland creatures help Snow White tidy up the house. So creative!
If you were one of the dwarfs, who would you be? Why?
I think I would be Sleepy. Not that I sleep anywhere, anytime, but because when I am tired, I tend to cancel plans and just stay in at home. Resting is my priority. Recharge, relax, and enjoy my own company.
Tell us about that moment when you felt like you were in a fairytale.
I would say, to me, the moments that felt like fairytales the most would be every time I would conquer my fears. I know it's a pretty boring answer but my accomplishments mean the most to me. The stage is where you do or die. Every single performance is challenging, and every single one to me is my fairy-tale-come-true. Competitions, Dance Manila, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and of course Swan Lake, are my most memorable ones.
What would you ask the magic mirror?
I don’t like hurting people. I would ask the magic mirror to tell me whenever I hurt someone so I can work on fixing it.
Maybe I could ask the mirror to give me directions all the time too, since I have very little sense of it!
Please describe your “happily ever after”.
It’s funny because I am happy where I am right now. All I am focused on is to grow and improve as a dancer. My ultimate happily ever after? To dance forever.
Elpidio Magat
Which version of Snow White is the most memorable for you?
Snow White (1937). Nothing beats the classic Disney version.
If you were one of the dwarfs, who would you be? Why?
Sleepy! Because I love to sleep!
What is the most princely thing you’ve done for a girl?
Being a gentleman. It’s simple but the most effective way of showing how you respect, care, and love a person. For me the ULTIMATE gesture would include a ring. But I’m not there yet. Someday…
What would you ask the magic mirror?
I will ask the magic mirror to show me what I would become if I weren’t a dancer.
Please describe your “happily ever after”.
Actually I don't want a happily ever after. I just want never-ending moments of pure joy and happiness with people that I love and treasure.
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Snow White will have its world premiere on November 25, 6 p.m., at Aliw Theater. Succeeding shows will be on November 26, 3 p.m.; December 2, 6 p.m.; and December 3, 3 p.m. For tickets and inquiries, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
