In celebration of National Heritage Month, we take a look at choreographies based on facets of Filipino culture that are part of the Ballet Manila repertoire. Since its creation in 1995, the company has sought to feature such pieces in its programs, offering a unique mix as Philippine inspirations are interpreted in ballet form. Ballet Manila has brought these vignettes on numerous performance tours in the provinces and in other countries as a way of reinforcing cultural identity and of introducing the country’s rich heritage to the world. The black and white photographs seen in this series, from the Ballet Manila Archives collection, were taken during the company’s early years.

Kung Hindi Man

Music: A. Molina, D. Paterno, F. Torrega, C. De Guzman

Choreography: Nonoy Froilan

A suite of Philippine love songs (known as “kundiman” in the vernacular), as played and arranged by Michael Dadap on the guitar, is interpreted in the free-flowing style mastered by premiere danseur Nonoy Froilan in a dance career spanning decades. Kung Hindi Man – which plays on the word kundiman – premiered in 1995, Ballet Manila’s first year when they began as a touring company.