Finale: Gerardo Francisco completes the choreography of Ibong Adarna

Technique, talent and magic – these are the three ingredients that allow a choreographer to translate an idea of a movement into a full-length ballet complete with costumes, sets, music and lights. And clearly, Ballet Manila principal dancer Gerardo Francisco has plenty of all three and more. In this clip, we get to see the choreographer in action as he completes the Finale scene of Ibong Adarna. Still a work in progress when this footage was taken, we can hear him giving instructions and see him setting the example on how he wishes the movements to be performed. And while mistakes are made, he sees it as an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to teach. Gerardo Francisco’s Ibong Adarna premieres on August 26 at the Aliw Theater.