25 life lessons I learned from ballet - #10
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.
A gift from Manila Broadcasting Company chairman Fred J. Elizalde to his wife, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, the Aliw Theater became the official home of Ballet Manila in 2012. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives
By Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
10. If you build it, they will come… I know. This is from the Field of Dreams movie. But having been given the Star and Aliw Theaters to dance in on a regular basis, and having danced on a makeshift stage made out of softdrinks cases nailed together – if you build it (a stage), they (the audience) will come.
Today, the Aliw Theater continues to provide a home for Ballet Manila as the company launches its 23rd season dubbed Tour De Force. More importantly, it has become a refuge for the country’s culture vultures in search of high quality ballet performances at affordable prices. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives
Top photo: The basketball court is one of the most popular venues for Ballet Manila performances. With a mission to bring ballet to the people, the hard court – present in every barangay, plaza and public school – has hosted classical performances such as Swan Lake and Don Quixote which has allowed people from all walks of life to enjoy ballet. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives
