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.

Mahirap po talaga ‘yung partnering kasi kailangan mong alalayan para safe yung ballerina, lalo na sa mga lifts. Minsan naman pag solo nakakakaba rin kasi ikaw lang naman mag-isa sa stage. Pero para sa akin, mas mahirap ang may partner.

Pag partners po, kapag may problema ang isa, mahirap mag-connect. So kailangan mag-adjust. Kailangan intindihin. Pag hindi mo alam kung paano mag-adjust, wala talagang mangyayari. Talagang para kayong magnet – ‘yung naghihiwalay.

Minsan mahirap kasi pag hindi kayo magkasundo ng partner n’yo, ang hirap mag-work together. Pero sa mga ganyang pagkakataon mas nagiging malakas kami.

Partnering is really difficult because you have to support and keep the ballerina safe, especially during lifts. Sometimes, it’s also scary when you’re doing a solo because you’re alone on stage. But for me, partnering is really more challenging.

When partnering, if one of you has a problem, it’s very hard to connect. You need to adjust. You need to be understanding. If you don’t know how to adjust, you will not achieve anything. You’re like magnets – the kind that repel each other.

Sometimes it’s really difficult if you don’t get along with your partner. It’s hard to work together. But it is also during these moments that we become stronger.

Top photo by Mark Sumaylo