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.

The extraordinary diversity of Philippine culture has produced a rich language of dance with depth and range. As the nation celebrates National Heritage Month, we take a closer look at the legacy of the different regions and their influence on contemporary ballet.

Sari’t Bahag, a stunning choreography by Jojo Lucilla, takes inspiration from the northern tribal communities. It tells the story of a warrior and a beautiful maiden who are about to wed when an Idaw Bird — an omen of bad fortune — makes its presence felt during the ceremony. A call to war follows and, as the priestess predicts, misfortune falls upon the couple.

The rituals and traditional movements are respectfully translated into dance to create a contemporary ballet choreography that offers a modern twist in making the stories of the past more relevant today.

This clip shows the 2014 performance of Sari’t Bahag featuring Ballet Manila scholars and now company artists Jessa Balote and Jamil Montibon as the maiden and the warrior, and Sofia Costales as the priestess.