25 life lessons I learned from ballet - #6
Beyond the arabesques and grand jetés, ballet is an abundant source of priceless life lessons. With the rigorous training and intense discipline it requires, ballet can teach one how to deal with pressure, disappointments, challenges, and ultimately, success. On her 25th anniversary as a professional dancer in 2009, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde took the time to list down 25 key lessons she learned from ballet and which she felt both dancers and non-dancers can apply in their own lives. This series shares those enduring nuggets of wisdom – one lesson at a time.
At the technical dress rehearsals of Lisa@20 – a dance concert celebrating her 20th anniversary in ballet – Lisa Macuja-Elizalde takes advantage of the lull to stretch out and keep limber while Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso (standing, back to the camera) talks to the company. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives
By Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
6. Good preparation is the key to a successful plan. Several hours before a ballet performance, you will find me onstage, warming up, giving enough time for mental and physical preparation for the show. Most often, the success of any endeavor is in the planning and preparation.
Passing on the importance of a good prep, Lisa’s company takes class on the stage of Y Theatre in Hong Kong before performing and competing in the 2015 Asian Grand Prix. That year, Ballet Manila brought home multiple medals including the top prize, the Grand Prix for principal dancer Katherine Barkman. Photo by Jimmy Villanueva
An already made up Lisa warms up in the kitchen corridors with the chefs, waiters, busboys and other staff running around shortly before a performance for the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2010. Photo by Jimmy Villanueva
Top photo: The value of rehearsals and preparation was instilled in Lisa Macuja-Elizalde since the very early days of her dancing career. In this photo, she is joined by Steve Villaruz, artistic director of Dance Theater Philippines, as she performs exercises on the barre. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives