The best is yet to come: A conversation on unexpected promotions and new beginnings with Jessica Pearl Dames, Joshua Enciso, Shaira Comeros and Jessa Balote
Last December 30, four dancers of Ballet Manila got the surprise of their lives when, after having just finished the last show of the Christmas season’s Cinderella, artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde made an announcement before the Aliw Theater audience – their promotion in the company. Soloists Jessica Pearl Dames, Joshua Encisco and Shaira Comeros were named principal dancers while company artist Jessa Balote was named soloist.
We invited the four to the Ballet Manila Archives to tell us what they remember from those moments that they could only collectively describe as surreal. Almost two weeks after that memorable evening, they agreed the reality still hadn’t sunk in, but that they are grateful for the acknowledgment and are inspired to work even harder than they ever have.
Here, in their own words, are the detailed behind-the-scenes stories of a shared milestone in their professional lives and all the emotions that went with it – the shock, the tears, the uncertainty, the laughter, and self-reflection, along with the thrill, excitement and hope over what lies ahead.
Jessica Pearl Dames performs in La Bayadere, excerpted in Deux (2019). Photo by Ian Santos
Did you know that promotions would be announced after the show?
Jessa Balote: Usually po pag end of the year mayroon po talagang promotion na nangyayari pero hindi namin ine-expect na this year mayroong promotion.
(The promotion usually happens at the end of the year but we didn’t expect a promotion to happen this year.)
Jessica Pearl Dames: Sobra pong unexpected.
(It was so unexpected.)
Shaira Comeros: Actually nu’ng green room (before the show), nagsabi rin si Ma’am Lisa (Macuja-Elizalde) na kailangan niya ng microphone.
(Actually, at the green room, Ma’am Lisa said she needed a microphone.)
Joshua: Du’n na ko nagkaroon ng kutob.
(That’s when I had an inkling)
Shaira: Anong meron? May something bang mangyayari after the show?
After bowing na, umakyat si Ma’am Lise tapos kumuha siya ng microphone. Tapos nagsimula siya sa AGP (Asian Grand Prix), in-acknowledge niya ‘yung mga nanalo. Tapos sunod-sunod na. Napunta sa mga from school to apprentice – sila Shami (Shamira Drapete) at Janelle (Mateo)
(What’s up? Is something happening after the show?
After bowing, Ma’am Lise went up the stage and got a microphone. Then she started with AGP. She acknowledged the winner. Then it went on from there. From school to apprentice – Shami and Janelle.)
Pearl: Tapos ‘yun na po. Pa-akyat na po ng paakyat.
(Then that was it. She went on to the next rank and the next.)
Jessa: Hindi ko po talaga alam. Kasi nga po from Elmo (Anselmo Dictado) going back to soloist, tapos napunta kay Rissa May (Camaclang). Hindi ko po ine-expect na tatawagin ang pangalan ko kasi po nandoon ako sa gilid at nagchi-cheer po ako du’n. Nakikinig lang po ako kung sino ang susunod na tatawagin, ano ‘yung next na announcement. So hindi ko po ine-expect na matatawag po ‘yung pangalan ko. Parang, ako ba ‘yun? Hindi ako naniniwala! Hindi ako makahakbang going forward to bow. Parang nanginginig ‘yung legs ko tapos hindi ko naririnig ‘yung palakpakan ng mga tao. Nag-bow po ako tapos nag-thank you ako kay Ma’am Lise.
Ang laki rin ng pasasalamat ko na na-promote ako kasi nakita po ni Ma’am Lise ‘yung pagod ko, kung ano ‘yung ginagawa ko as a dancer. Sa class pa lang kasi, ginagawa ko ‘yung best ko. Nakitaan ako ni Ma’am Lise na sa class pa lang po naipakita ko ‘yung artistry ko as a dancer.
Jessa Balote: “Ang laki rin ng pasasalamat ko na na-promote ako kasi nakita po ni Ma’am Lise ‘yung pagod ko, kung ano ‘yung ginagawa ko as a dancer.” Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
(I really didn’t know. From Elmo going back to soloist, it went on to Rissa May. I didn’t expect that my name would be called because I was just cheering at the side. I was listening as to who would be called, and what the next announcement would be. I didn’t expect that my name would be called. Like, was that me? I couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t step forward to bow. My legs were shaking and I couldn’t hear the people clapping. I bowed and thanked Ma’am Lise.
I’m so thankful for the promotion because Ma’am Lise saw my efforts, what I was achieving as a dancer. In class, I give my best. Ma’am Lise noticed that even in class, I try to show my artistry as a dancer.)
Pearl: Ako po, kasi nag-evaluation kami before mag-Christmas show. Na-mention lang ni Ma’am Lise na you’re almost there sa principal position. We’ll see sa R & J (Romeo and Juliet). Actually nag-e-expect ako na after pa po nitong season na ‘to. Siguro kung okay ‘yung gawin ko, ayun, pwedeng ma-promote. Pero ‘yung time na ‘yun, sobrang hindi ko siya in-expect.
Buti nga walang video! Ang awkward ko! Nu’ng sinabi na “Jessica Pearl Dames!” parang… ako ba ‘yun? Parang hindi ko alam kung ano ‘yung nangyayari sa akin. Hindi ka na nakakarining. Hindi ka aware sa surroundings mo. Tapos si Pia [Pearl’s twin sister, principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames], sobrang mas masaya pa siya kaysa sa akin! Nasa likod ko kasi siya tapos siya ‘yung “Woohooooo!” Nag-bow ako tapos di ko alam kung saan ako pupunta! Buti na lang kinuha ako ni Pia kasi mukhang ewan ako du’n. Tapos hinahanap ko rin po si Sean (her boyfriend, company artist Sean Pelegrin]. As in, hindi ko makita! Sobrang nag-blackout ako! Hindi ko talaga in-expect.
Nu’ng tinatawag na ‘yung iba pang na-promote, naluluha na ko. Iyak na ko nang iyak. Tapos pagka-curtain down, sobrang bumuhos ‘yung iyak ko. Hindi siya nagsi-sink in nu’ng day na ‘yun.
(For me, we had an evaluation before the Christmas show. Ma’am Lise mentioned that I was almost there at the principal position. We’ll see with R & J. My expectation was for after this season. Maybe if I do okay, I might get promoted. But for this moment, I really didn’t expect this.
Good thing there was no video! I was so awkward! When they called “Jessica Pearl Dames!”, like… was that me? I didn’t know what was happening to me. I couldn’t hear anything. I was not aware of my surroundings. Then Pia, she was more excited for me! She was behind me and she was screaming “Woohoo!” I bowed and I didn’t know where to go. Good thing Pia led me away because I looked so silly there. I couldn’t find Sean! I just blacked out. I really didn’t expect.
When the others who were being promoted were called, I got teary-eyed. I kept crying and crying. When the curtain fell, I was sobbing. It didn’t sink in.)
Joshua: Parang hindi totoo kasi. Naglolokohan nga kami baka sabihin ni Ma’am Lise pagbalik: “It’s a prank!”
Nabigla rin ako kasi nu’ng narining ko na na-promote rin ako, na-stop din ako sa moment nang saglit. Tapos ikaw (Shaira) pa nga ‘yung, “Huy! Punta ka du’n!”
(It’s doesn’t feel real. We were kidding each other that when we come back (from break), she might say: “It’s a prank!”
I was so surprised when I heard that I was promoted, I stopped at that moment. And it was you who said: “Hey! You have to go there!”)
Shaira: Ayaw niyang umalis sa pwesto niya!
(He wouldn’t move from where he was standing!)
Joshua: Nagulat ako! Hindi nagsi-sink in, na parang hindi totoo. Iniisip ko nga na parang prank lang. Baka joke lang!
Joshua Enciso: “Nagulat ako! Hindi nagsi-sink in, na parang hindi totoo. Iniisip ko nga na parang prank lang. Baka joke lang!” Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Nu’ng sinabi din po ni Ma’am Lise na kailangan niya ng mic for after the show, nagkaroon ako ng kutob nu’n na baka may promotion. Nag-50/50 ako na naisip. Nu’ng una, mapro-promote kaya ako na principal ngayon? Parang nilalaro ko lang ‘yung mind ko and then ‘yung second, ah baka hindi pa kasi kailangan pa namin magpahinog.
Tapos nu’ng nangyari na ‘yun… ‘yung nauna ka (referring to Pearl)… naisip ko rin na hala! Baka ako ‘to! Baka ako ‘to! Tapos tinawag ‘yung name ko. Ako nga! Na-stop ako du’n sa moment.
Hindi ko rin alam kung maluluha ba ko or ano kasi, naka-ano ako nu’n… naka-King (character in Cinderella)! Pero naluluha na rin ako nu’n kasi hindi ko ine-expect na ganu’n. Nabigla. Kasi ganu’n din ‘yung sinabi ni Ma’am Lise nu’ng one-one-one namin na, “Well you’re going to be a principal.” Pero wala siyang sinabi kung kailan.
So ‘ayun, natutuwa na naiiyak. Pag-uwi namin, bukas pinto, lagay ng gamit, upo kaming ganyan…
(I was so surprised. It didn’t sink in. I thought it was a prank. Like a joke!
But when Ma’am Lise said she needed a mic for after the show, I had a gut feeling that there might be a promotion. I had a 50/50 thought. First, would I get promoted to principal today? That thought played in my mind but, second, probably not because we still needed to grow more.
Then it happened. You were called first. I thought, oh! Maybe I’m next! Maybe I’m next! Then my name was called. It’s me! Then everything stopped at that point.
I didn’t know if I was going to cry or what because I was wearing the King costume! But I was tearful because I didn’t expect it would be that way. I was surprised. That was also what Ma’am Lise told me during our one-on-one, “Well you’re going to be a principal.” But she didn’t say when.
So I was happy and I cried. When we got home, we opened the door, brought our stuff in, and sat down…)
Shaira: Nakaganyan lang kami (staring blankly into space). Ang tagal naming nakaganyan. Sobrang natulala kami sa bahay!
(We were just like that! And we stayed that way for a long time. We were in shock when we got home.)
Joshua: Tapos sabi niya, bakit ka nakangiti? Kasi nga di ba ‘yung saya na na-promote tayo. Sabay kami.
Nag-flashback ‘yung lahat, after nu’ng promotion, curtains down, ‘yun naman ‘yung nasaisip ko. Nilu-look back ko ‘yung mga ginawa ko. Kasi minsan mapapaganu’n ka. Deserve mo ba talaga?
Andiyan na ‘yun… ‘yung mga sayaw na binibigay. Ang naalala ko du’n ‘yung sinabi ni Sir Shaz (Osias Barroso) na, ‘yun nga, kayo din ‘yung next eh.
(Then she asked, why are you smiling? Because there was joy that we got promoted. We were promoted together.
I had a flashback after the promotion when the curtains fell. I looked back on everything I’ve done. Sometimes you do that. Do I really deserve this?
It’s all there, the roles I was given. I remembered what Sir Shaz said, that we were next.)
Shaira Comeros is fiery and fierce as Kitri in the Don Quixote pas de deux she performed in Iloilo in 2022. Photo by Armando Vicentino
Shaira: Ako siguro ‘yung pinaka-last na nag-e-expect ng promotion kasi, actually hindi ko nga alam na baka ‘yung ibang tao hindi rin alam na soloist ako kasi sobrang tahimik nung pagkaka-promote ko kasi pandemic po. Walang may alam! Tapos baka magulat ‘yung ibang tao na principal? Naging soloist ba ‘yun?
Hindi ako nag-e-expect hanggang du’n sa huling moment. Akala ko siya (Joshua) na ‘yung last na babanggitin tapos biglang may pahabol si Ma’am Lise na isa pa ulit from soloist to principal. Nag-gagaganyan pa ko sa kanya (Joshua) na… uy, congrats!
(I was probably the last person to expect a promotion because, actually I’m not even sure if people know that I’m a soloist because my promotion was so low-key because of the pandemic. No one knew! Then people might be surprised that I was promoted to principal. Was she even a soloist?
I didn’t expect to the very last moment. I thought he was the last to be called then Ma’am Lise had another announcement from soloist to principal. I was still congratulating Joshua.)
Joshua: Tapos tinawag ka rin pala!
(Then you got called too!)
Shaira: Nagsasalita na si Ma’am Lise na from soloist to principal, hindi ako tumitingin kay Ma’am Lise kasi akala ko tapos na, tapos biglang binanggit ‘yung pangalan ko. Nanlaki ‘yung mata ko! Hindi ko ine-expect! From then on, nanginginig na ko. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin. Sobrang naluluha na ko. Nanginginig ako habang nagbo-bow. Nag-bow ako kay Ma’am Lise.
Sobrang unexpected po sa akin kasi lumipat ako ng BM 2016 tapos sobrang bilis po ng pangyayari. Sobrang bilis kasi 2016: trainee, BM2. Tapos 18 years old, nag-BM1. Tapos dumating ‘yung pandemic tapos hindi ko alam kung magtutuloy pa ko ng ballet nu’n.
Eh nu’ng pandemic parang walang nangyayari, walang shows, walang ganap sa BM. Personally, parang hindi ko ramdam ‘yung pagka-soloist ko kasi ‘yung ginagawa lang po namin dati, turo lang, demo, co-teach. Pero walang live performance sa theater. Tapos kung may performance, (sa) videos. Pero feeling ko po, du’n din ako nakitaan ni Ma’am Lise, nila Sir Ge [principal dancer and co-artistic associate Gerardo Francisco Jr.] na… yun nga, kasi nga nu’ng pandemic walang pwedeng mag-partner kundi ‘yung mga couples lang so parang no choice sila na ipag-partner kami. Feeling ko ‘yun din ‘yung naging chance na makitaan ako nila Ma’am Lise. So in a way, thankful din ako nu’ng pandemic, hindi naman sa nangyari ‘yun, pero parang naging way siya sa akin na magkaroon ng chance na makasayaw alongside ni Joshua.
Actually, same as kay Ate Pearl at kay Joshua, nu’ng nag one-one-one, nasabihan din ako ni Ma’am Lise na “I can see you and Joshua running for principals. Keep up the good work.” Nagustuhan niya ‘yung work ethic. Thankful lang ako. Pero hanggang du’n sa last moment sa Aliw, hindi ako nag-e-expect na mapro-promote ako na ganu’n kabilis.
Pagbaba nu’ng curtain, sobrang hagulgol ako! Tapos niyakap ko lahat – si Sir Ge, nag-thank you ako sa kanya. Kay Teacher Lops [co-artistic associate Eileen Lopez]. Lalo na si Ma’am Lise. Niyakap ko ng mahigpit si Ma’am Lise. Sobrang nag-thank you ako. Sobrang emotional.
Kung iisipin ko na ‘yung mga kasabayan ko sa principals sila Sir Ge, sila Abi (Abigail Oliveiro), Mark (Sumaylo), Kuya Romeo, Ate Pia, sila Ate Pearl, Joshua… sobrang nakaka-pressure kasi ako ‘yung pinakabata sa kanila. Malaki din ‘yung expectations. Mas malaki ‘yung years ko pa na ipro-prove… although thankful ako na napaaga kasi mas marami ‘yung years na mapro-prove ko ‘yung sarili ko, masasayaw ko pa ’yung gusto kong sayawin. So thankful na medyo kinakabahan.
Shaira Comeros: “Pagbaba nu’ng curtain, sobrang hagulgol ako! Tapos niyakap ko lahat.” Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
(Ma’am Lise was announcing from soloist to principal but I wasn’t paying attention because I thought it was finished when she suddenly called my name. My eyes grew wide! I didn’t expect this. I was shaking. I didn’t know what to do. I was tearful. I was shaking while I bowed. Then I bowed to Ma’am Lise.
This was so unexpected because I moved to BM in 2016 then everything happened so quickly. So fast because in 2016 I was a trainee, then BM2. I was 18 years old when I became BM1. Then the pandemic happened and I didn’t know if I would continue with ballet.
During the pandemic, nothing was happening, no shows, no events in BM. Personally, I didn’t really feel like a soloist because all we were doing was teaching, demo, co-teach. But there were no live performances in the theater. And if there were, those were videos. But I feel like that’s when Ma’am Lise and Sir Ge saw me. Because during the pandemic, only couples could be partners so they had no choice but to pair us. It became an opportunity for Ma’am Lise to see me. So in a way, I’m thankful for the pandemic, not that it happened, but it became a way for me to have a chance to dance with Joshua.
Actually, it’s the same with Ate Pearl and Joshua when we had that one-on-one, Ma’am Lise told me, “I can see you and Joshua running for principals. Keep up the good work.” She appreciated my work ethic. I’m so thankful. But up until the last moment in Aliw, I never expected that I would get promoted that fast.
When the curtain fell, I cried! I hugged everyone – I thanked Sir Ge, Teacher Lops. Especially Ma’am Lise. I hugged her so tight. I thanked her. I was so emotional.
When you think about it, I’m principal with the likes of Sir Ge, Abi, Mark, Kuya Romeo, Ate Pia, Ate Pearl, Joshua… I feel so much pressure because I’m the youngest. The expectations are high. I have more to prove… although I’m thankful this came early so I have many years to prove myself, to dance the ballets I want to dance. So I’m thankful but nervous.)
Why do you think you got the promotion?
Shaira: Pagbaba nu’ng curtain, nagpa-small meeting si Ma’am Lise na nagsabi siya na don’t feel so bad kapag hindi kayo na-promote. Kung hindi pa time, dadating din ‘yung ganyan. Prinomote niya ‘yung prinomote niya kasi deserving naman hindi lang sa mga roles na ginagawa nila kundi du’n sa work ethic, pagiging role model sa ibang dancers… kung paano magtrabaho. Personally, pag inisip ko siya, mukhang pasok naman ako du’n sa criteria ni Ma’am Lise kasi tina-try ko naman ‘yung best ko sa class, sa rehearsal. Nakikinig ako sa kanila.
(When the curtain fell, Ma’am Lise held a small meeting to tell the dancers not to feel bad if they didn’t get promoted. If it’s not yet your time, it will eventually happen. She promoted those that she promoted because they deserve it, not just with the roles they’ve performed but also with the work ethic, being a role model to other dancers, how they work. Personally, when I think about it, I think I fulfill the criteria that Ma’am Lise has set because I try to give my best in class and in rehearsals. I listen to them.)
Jessa: Dati pa talaga, madami ko nang naisayaw – mga pas de deux. Nahinto nga lang dahil kay Prince [Jessa’s son]. Pero months nga lang po, nakabalik na ulit ako sa BM. Para sa akin kasi, ginagawa ko ‘yung best ko. Once na nag-class ako, kailangan kong itodo… ginagawa ko talaga ‘yung turo ni Ma’am. Ina-apply ko sa katawan ko kasi ‘yun ‘yung ikakaganda ng katawan ko. Nirerespeto ko ‘yung katawan ko. Nilalagay ko sa tamang timing. ‘Yung pagbalik ko sa BM, talagang out of shape talaga ako. Hinahanap ko ‘yung center ko. Nawawala ‘yung position ko lalo na sa mga turns. Du’n po, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na kailangan kong ibalik ang katawan ko. Kaya kung ano ‘yung ginawa ko dati, kailangan kong gawin na mas higit pa. Hindi ko man maibalik ‘yung katawan ko dati pero nandoon ‘yung strength ko. Ginawa ko ‘yung best ko as a dancer, sa class. Parang doon sa class talaga nakita ni Ma’am Lise ‘yung pagiging pursigido ko. Natutuwa ako kasi kung ano ‘yung naituturo sa akin ng mga teacher ko, sinusunod ko. Baka du’n ako nakitaan ni Ma’am Lise, at kung paano ako makitungo sa mga kasamahan ko.
(Even before, I’ve danced a lot of pieces – pas de deux, etc. It just stopped when I had Prince. But within months, I was able to return to BM. For me, I always do my best. When I take class, I give it my all, I do everything. I work on my body because it will benefit me. I respect my body. I do everything at the right time. When I returned to BM, I was out of shape. I couldn’t find my center. I would lose my place especially during turns. That’s when I told myself that I needed to bring back my body. What I was doing before, I needed to do more. Even if I can’t get my body back to the way it was, I needed to be strong. I did my best as a dancer, and in class. I think it’s really in class that Ma’am Lise noticed how much I persevered. I’m just happy that I am able to do what my teachers tell me to do. I think that’s what Ma’am Lise noticed, and how I work with my colleagues.)
Joshua Enciso dances as Solor from La Bayadere in a variation showcased in Deux (2019). Photo by Ian Santos
Joshua: Sa lalaki naman kasi, nakakapag-partnering po ako. ‘Yun din ang sabi sa akin ni Ma’am Lise na ang ka-partner ko – kahit matangkad o maliit – capable. So sobrang malaking factor ‘yun na naha-handle mo ‘yung kahit anong style ng lady sa partnering.
Tapos siguro ‘yung style, how I dance. Kasi lahat naman tayo hardworking. May kanya-kanya naman tayong specialty. So feeling ko ‘yung style ko siguro, ‘yung kakaiba ka sa iba.
(For men, I am able to partner. That’s also what Ma’am Lise told me, that regardless of whether the partner is tall or short, I am capable of partnering. It’s a huge factor that I can handle whatever the style of the lady I am partnering with.
And maybe my style as well, how I dance. Everyone is really hardworking. We all have our own specialty. So maybe my style is unique from others.)
Shaira: Nabanggit ni Ma’am Lise na versatile ka sa dancing. Kahit anong ipasayaw sa ’yo – modern, classical.
(Ma’am Lise mentioned that your dancing is versatile. Whatever they make you dance – modern, classical.
Joshua: Ayun! At kailangan iba ka sa iba. That’s how you grow.
(Yes, that! And you have to be different from others. That’s how you grow.)
Pearl: Kahit noon pa man, sinasabi rin sa akin nila Sir Shaz at Ma’am Lise na you’re a very versatile dancer. Kahit anong ibigay sa akin, nagagawa ko naman siya ng maayos. Lagi din sinasabi sa akin ni Teacher Jeff [Espejo, former Ballet Manila soloist]: “Ikaw Pearl, gagalingan mo palagi!” Kaya every time magpe-perform ako, ginagalingan ko talaga sa lahat.
Jessica Pearl Dames: “Sobrang nag-blackout ako! Hindi ko talaga in-expect.” Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Ever since nu’ng na-injure ako, nagpalakas ako. Du’n ako namulat na kailangan kong mag-extra work. Kasi hindi naman ako ‘yung sobrang gifted kaya kailangan kong magsipag talaga. Kaya kahit nu’ng pandemic, hindi ako nag-stop talaga. Nagpapalakas ako nang nagpapalakas.
(Even before, Sir Shaz and Ma’am Lise would say that I’m a versatile dancer. Whatever they give me, I do it well. And Teacher Jeff (Espejo) would always tell me: “Pearl, you always have to do your best.” So every time I perform, I really do my best.
Since I got injured, I worked on strengthening myself. That’s when I realized I had to do extra work. I’m not very gifted so I needed to be hardworking. So even during the pandemic, I didn’t stop. I worked on making myself stronger.)
What does this promotion mean to you?
Pearl: Ako, it’s just the beginning!
Joshua: Sa akin, this is it! Heto na ‘yun! Heto ‘yung sinasabi ni Sir Shaz dati. Kayo na ‘yung next.
(For me, this is it! This is it! This is what Sir Shaz used to say. We are next.)
Shaira: Ako, parang, it’s just a title. Kasi bigyan ka man ng promotion o hindi, ‘yung work, same pa rin. BM1, soloist, principal, ‘yung work – kung paano ka magtrabaho sa studio, sa rehearsal, sa stage – same lang. Sadyang ni-recognize ka lang ni Ma’am Lise. In-acknowledge niya ‘yung hard work mo.
(For me, like, it’s just a title. Because whether you got a promotion or not, the work is the same, BM1, soloist, principal, the work – how you handle yourself at the studio, at rehearsals, on stage – it’s the same. We were just recognized by Ma’am Lise. She acknowledged our hard work.)
Jessa: Sabik!
(Excited!)
Pearl: Actually kami ni Pia, napapag-usapan namin na sana i-promote si Jessa.
(Actually, Pia and I have been wishing for a promotion for Jessa.)
Joshua: Kami rin.
(Us too.)
Shaira: Sobra! Lagi! Kahit sino ang tanungin ni’yo sa studio kung sino ‘yung pinaka-hardworking sa company…
(Yes! Always. You can ask anyone at the studio who is the most hardworking in the company…)
Joshua: Sobrang push niya sa sarili niya.
(She would really push herself.)
Pearl: Time na rin niya.
(It’s her time.)
What’s the most important advice that you’ve received from your mentors?
Shaira: It all starts in the barre. ‘Yung gagawin mo sa stage, sa rehearsal, lahat makukuha mo ‘yan kung paano ka mag-class. Kasi kung ano ang ginagawa mo sa class, dadalhin mo lang siya sa rehearsal. Kung tatamad-tamad ka sa class, ganu’n din ang gagawin mo sa rehearsal. Ganu’n din sa show. Naaalala ko ‘yan kay Sir Shaz. Pag nagka-class ka, you give 100%.
Iniipon ko lang lahat ng advice nila: lagi lang mag-class nang maayos; kay Nanay, huwag lalaki ang ulo.
(It all starts at the barre. What you do on stage, at rehearsals, you get that all in class. What you do in class, you will bring that to rehearsals. So if you’re lazy in class, that’s how you’ll be in rehearsals. And the show. I remember that from Sir Shaz. When you take class, you give 100%.
I gather all their advice: take class properly; from my mother, don’t become conceited.)
Pearl: ‘Yung sinabi ni Teacher Jeff, laging nasa isip ko. Lagi ko lang gagalingan. After nu’ng promotion, nagkita kami at kinausap niya ko nang masinsinan: “Pearl, I’m so proud of you! Pero don’t change!” Kung paano ako ngayon, ganyan lang din ako. Walang magbabago. Pero sabi rin niya, “It doesn’t stop there!” Kasi ‘yung iba, ah na-reach ko na ‘to so kampante na.
(What Teacher Jeff would tell me, I always think about that. I should always do my best. After the promotion, we saw each other and had a talk: “Pearl, I’m so proud of you! But don’t change!” How I was before, I should still be that way now, I shouldn’t change. But he also said: “It doesn’t stop there.” Because with others, oh I’ve reached this so I can be complacent.)
Jessa Balote takes on Ilsa-Dyur (2018), a piece whose female lead was originally created for prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Jessa: Sa class pa lang, parang performance na.
(Even in class, I dance like it’s a performance.)
Joshua: Hindi nagma-mark!
(She doesn’t mark!)
Jessa: Oo nga! Mark lang, Jessa, pero ginagawa ko pa talaga!
(Yes! Just mark it, Jessa. But I do it anyway!)
Pearl: Hindi siya marunong mag-mark!
(She doesn’t know how to mark!)
Jessa: ‘Yung body ko, parang gusto talagang gawin! Nandu’n ‘yung mindset ko na kailangan kong gawin.
(My body wants to do it! The mindset is that I should actually do the movement.
Newly minted principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames, Shaira Comeros and Joshua Enciso, and soloist Jessa Balote, are inspired to work even harder as Ballet Manila opens its 25th performance season in February. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
What do you want to achieve as principals?
Shaira: Marami pa!
(A lot!)
Joshua: Oo, ang dami pa!
(Yes, so much!)
Shaira: Marami ko pang gustong masayaw! Kahit anong ibigay, go ako! More to come, sana.
(There is so much I still want to dance. Whatever they give, I’m game! More to come, I hope!)
