In their own words, the artists of Ballet Manila share their thoughts and experiences on not merely surviving but flourishing in the very challenging world of dance. This series is a collection of personal anecdotes, as well as words of wisdom that can be heartwarming, funny or dramatic, but always inspiring regardless of what field one is pursuing.

Di ba po pagod from school? Tapos sa hapon, ballet. Parang mapapa-isip ka na lang: “Bakit ko ba ito inumpisahan? Bakit ko ba ito pinasok?” Pero kung makikita mo yung mga narating mo na – like, ‘yung mga achievements ko, ‘yung progress na dinaanan ko para makarating doon – parang mawawala na lang din po ‘yung pagod.

You’re tired from school. In the afternoon, there’s ballet. Sometimes you think to yourself: “Why did I even start this? Why did I even get into this?” But if you see how far you have come – like, my achievements, the progress that I have experienced to get there – then all the exhaustion just melts away.

Top photo by Mark Sumaylo