The Ballet Manila Archives is the repository of documents, print, photographic, audio and video materials and memorabilia relating to the history of Ballet Manila and the life and career of its founder, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. This site is powered by Ms. Elizalde and Project Art, Inc.
Ballet Manila has showcased a rich palette of hues in its productions over the years. Now, the company’s true colors are revealed! Gathering photographs from the Ballet Manila Archives, we present the vibrant and the somber, the heavenly to the earthy, in a series of virtual exhibitions – one shade at a time.
Photos by Ocs Alvarez
Tiffany Chiang-Janolo looks every inch the dainty princess as she wears an olive green frock with floral appliques and glittery beads. She danced as one of the royal daughters in Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa, one of tales showcased in Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (2013).
The tutus of the Garden Spirits in Hazel Sabas-Gower’s Sinderela (2012) are fittingly inspired by the colors of nature. Their predominantly green-colored tutus are spruced up with peach floral accents on their bodice and in their hair ornaments shaped like butterflies.
In a dark green transparent top, Romeo Peralta represents one-third of the trio (along with Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Rudy De Dios) that brought to life Manuel Molina’s choreography and concept titled The Light (Faith for salvation). Set to Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s The Prayer, the spiritual piece had a timely premiere, in the holiday production Maligayang Christmas (2011).
A multitude of green hues are represented in the clothes of the villagers in Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon, one of the tales comprising Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (2008). Mint, olive and fatigue are just some of the shades found in plain and patterned fabrics used in their clothes that have an Asian inspiration.
As the trusty ally of Romeo in Paul Vasterling’s Romeo & Juliet (2015), Elpidio Magat Jr. cuts a dynamic figure in his sage and cream top paired with beige tights. The light-hearted days of the friends end when Romeo’s sworn enemy, Tybalt, kills Mercutio in a duel.
Niño Guevara as Haring Araw or Sun King looks menacing in his sparkling green and gold robes as he fights with Juan (Alvin Santos), not knowing that the latter is actually the brother of his wife Marya Upeng. The action-packed scene is from Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya, featured in Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (2011).
Dancing the Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle (2010), Mylene Aggabao and Alvin Santos are in complete harmony as they also don costumes with complementing touches of olive green – in the thick waistband of her tutu and in his vest.
