Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

What: Character Dance is an important subdivision of Classical Ballet. It is a theatrical representation of national and folk dances, mostly from European countries. Training in Character Dance often enhances the dancer’s Classical Ballet technique as the various styles require a high level of coordination, musicality and an even more expressive upper body. It is integral to many Classical Ballet Repertoire such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote (in photo) and The Nutcracker. Character Dances are usually performed in shoes different from the usual ballet flats and pointe shoes. Men typically wear black character shoes or boots with a small heel, and women typically wear shoes with a larger, more feminine heel.

Dancer: Emma Zoe Harris, Ballet Manila Company Artist

Location: Ballet Manila Studio 3