Ballet Dictionary: Story Ballet

Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

What: A story ballet is a type of ballet that has a plot and characters. It requires good storytelling by the dancers through dancing and mime, along with music, and is typically performed with elaborate scenes and costumes to establish the required atmosphere to fully deliver the story. Some of the more popular story ballets that have been around since the 19th century include Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. Aside from those ballets that were established early on, most companies today include their own versions of story ballets that are based on popular literature that are brought to life on stage.

Ballet: Snow White (Choreography by Ballet Manila Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde)

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

Location: Surroundings of Ballet Manila Studios