Filipino-inspired: Arnis

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.

Arnis

Music: Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors

Choreography: Ric Culalic

The Filipino martial art of wielding bamboo sticks was widely practiced by Filipinos long before the coming of the Spaniards to the Philippines. The choreography explores a different side of arnis by taking its movements and combining these with dance. Arnis debuted unofficially in a Ballet Manila show in Rizal Park and had its official premiere in the company’s season production and Centennial offering, Gabriela, OPM Atbp. in 1998.

Choreographer Ric Culalic combined the fast and agile movements in the martial art of arnis with the measured but graceful steps of dance.

Punctuated by the sound of sticks hitting one another, Arnis is exhilarating, energetic and intense.

The performers of Arnis must not only have technique and endurance, but also dance well together as a team

Arnis begins with a solitary performer executing movements in silence.

The choreography serves as good training for stamina, coordination and strength.