Ballet Manila Moments: A first-time choreographer’s quest

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.

When Ballet Manila was established in 1995 by 12 dancers, Osias “Shaz” Barroso knew that each and everyone of them had to dig deep into their arsenal of skills and wear multiple hats for the company to survive.In between dancing, they would alternate as lighting and set designers, carpenters, props men, make-up artists, ticket-sellers, and usher, among many others.

In between these many tasks, Shaz managed to add choreography to his very long list of skills. On February 17, 1995, during Ballet Manila’s first performance as a company entitled Ballet Manila Dances!, Shaz also debuted as a professional choreographer with In Quest as his first offering. Set to the music of Antoni Vivaldi, it featured four dancers: Eduardo Espejo as In Quest, Pamela Asprer as Power, Kristin Dabao as Passion and Sandralynn Huang as Love.

During the company’s early years, In Quest became a staple piece for the young touring company. In this clip, In Quest is performed at the University of the Philippines, effectively introducing a new generation to homegrown contemporary dance.