Performing artists love the immediate response shown by audiences through applause and cheers. But they appreciate it just as much when they get feedback even after the curtains have gone down. This is certainly true for Ballet Manila dancers, management and staff who have received their fair share of heartwarming comments from a grateful public over the years. In this series, the Ballet Manila Archives will feature from its collection the reactions – handwritten, typed, published in newspapers or even posted on social media – of viewers towards the company after watching its shows. 

In 2005, Ballet Manila embarked on a tour of the United States which the group kicked off with a performance at the Capitol Theater at Riffe Center in Columbus, Ohio on May 27. It was the company’s fourth US tour in the ten years since its founding and also its longest – counting eight performance stops in a span of seven weeks.

The US program showcased an all-Filipino repertoire coming from a multitude of inspirations – Arnis (martial arts), Dalagang Filipina (fashion), Arachnida (mating spiders), Sari’t Bahag (northern upland tale), Sayaw sa Pamlang (facets of southern heritage), Mga Awit at Sayaw and Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (pop music). 

At its first stop in Ohio, Ballet Manila received citations from local officials, notably the state governor and the city mayor. The mayor had also earlier sent the show’s presenting organization, the Philippine American Society of Central Ohio (PASCO), a special message “for promoting peace, embracing ethnic diversity and highlighting our cultural differences in a positive and elegant manner.”

Ohio Governor Bob Taft’s citation reads:

“I want to extend my warmest greetings to the performers of Ballet Manila, under the direction of Liza (sic) Macuja-Elizalde, for sharing their Filipino culture with us at the Capital Theater on May 27, 2005. Your dedication and commitment to preserving Filipino heritage through dance is to be commended, and your distinguished accomplishments towards cultural awareness among communities and nations are greatly appreciated. I would like to wish you a successful visit while you tour Ohio and the United States.”

Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s certificate of recognition has the following text:

“On behalf of the citizens of the City of Columbus we are pleased to acknowledge The Ballet Manila during their visit to Columbus. We embrace and encourage our cultural differences and traditions, but appreciate the language of art, which transcends all languages. We offer this recognition as a show of our appreciation and support of their mission, bringing awareness to our community through culture and art, adding to what makes Columbus, Ohio the best place to live, work and raise our families. We wish you the best in all future endeavors.”

The mayor’s letter to PASCO, dated May 12, 2005, meanwhile reads:

“Greetings to the Philippine American Society of Central Ohio:

“As Mayor of the City of Columbus, Ohio, it is an honor that you call Columbus, Ohio ‘home’. We are proud to host the Ballet Manila as they offer their significant and beautiful performance.

“Congratulations to the Philippine American Society of Central Ohio on making Columbus the first stop of this magnificent production. The Columbus community is proud to recognize and commend the Philippine American Society of Central Ohio (PASCO) for promoting peace, embracing ethnic diversity and highlighting our cultural differences in a positive and elegant manner.

“Columbus is a city of opportunity and we strive for cultural diversity. As Mayor, I am contantly seeking new ways in which all of our citizens can share in our city’s prosperity. Columbus has so much to offer. The Philippine American Society of Central Ohio showcases the best of these characteristics.

“PASCO has enhanced our community through their mission to preserve the cultural heritage of the local Filipino community by engaging their ideas, talents and efforts through socio-cultural activities.

“I wish all those who participate in this wholesome and unique event a culturally enlightening experience.

“Best wishes for a successful event.”