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.

Carmen holds a special place in the proud history of Ballet Manila. It is a unique version choreographed by the late Eric V. Cruz, the company’s first artistic director and mentor to the present artistic directors Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Osias Barroso. The piece premiered in 1997.

The intense choreography tells the tragic tale of the fiery Carmen and her seduction of the soldier Don Jose. The sensuality of the lead was a world away from Lisa’s previous classical roles and it took much effort before Tito Eric was convinced she was right for the part. The rest, as they say, is history.

Carmen has since become a much sought-after role among the younger ballerinas hoping to challenge themselves with the dramatic portrayal and demanding technique. Principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo are among the chosen few to have inherited the lead roles. In this clip is the pair’s well-applauded performance at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center in 2019. 

Every staging of Carmen is a tribute to the beloved Tito Eric whose wisdom and kind heart steered the company in its early years and whose passion continues to guide Ballet Manila as it faces the challenges of the future.

Top photo by Daniel Trinidad