Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro 

What: Props play an important role in dance. These are objects that can help depict the character’s world or help enhance a stage environment. Props are integral to many types of dance productions including classical ballet, modern dance and national folk dance.

It takes practice and skill to be able to properly utilize the various kinds of props to create a seamless performance that would enhance the expressiveness of a character or style of dance.

In this particular ballet, Le Corsaire, Gulnara dances with a veil over her face during the entrada of their main pas de deux (Pas D’Esclave, Act 1). Lankadem also has to practice seamlessly removing the veil on stage, in character. Lankadem also uses money bags to enhance the scene where he sells slaves to Pasha.

Ballet: Le Corsaire, Gulnara and Lankadem

Dancers:  Nanami Hasegawa and John Ralp Balagot, Company Artists, Ballet Manila

Location: Ballet Manila Studio 1