Since 1995, Ballet Manila has been creating unforgettable performances on stage. As the acclaimed storytellers on toes, they have breathed life to an amazing range of classical and contemporary fare. The Ballet Manila Archives celebrates some of those moments from the company’s first 25 years through this series.

In 2015, Ballet Manila collaborated for the first time with celebrated choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. It was the first time that the Belgian-born artist choreographed a piece for an Asian company. 

The result was Bloom - a powerful and emotionally-charged piece that reflected her signature “constructed chaos.” It tested the 24 classically-trained dancers of Ballet Manila handpicked by Ms. Ochoa for the premiere both physically and intellectually. But the dancers faced the challenge head on and performed with the technique and nuance that the piece demanded. Performing in the lead were then principal dancer Dawna Reign Mangahas and then soloist Mark Sumaylo.

In this clip from the 2018 season, Mark reprised his role but this time with Abigail Oliveiro as his partner. Bloom has earned its place among the company’s most iconic choreographies and every performance of the piece is an unforgettable moment.