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.
Shaira Comeros is not just feeling groovy – but looking it too! She’s the essence of 1960s cool in her geometric-patterned top, yellow tights and yellow pointe shoes. It’s the perfect outfit for the Beatles-powered The Winding Road choreographed by Martin Lawrence, featured in Deux (2019). Photo by Ian Santos
Don Quixote is renowned for vigorous dancing. In Ballet Manila’s 2006 staging, Sofia Sangco-Peralta – as one of Kitri’s bridesmaids – gets in the spirit of things as she makes a joyous leap in a yellow tutu at her friend’s wedding to Basilio. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Mark Sumaylo dances in Kinabuhing Mananagat by Rudy De Dios, featured in Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (2014). As the lead fisherman, he is aptly attired in yellow as he begins his work at the break of dawn. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
As the title of 2013’s Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang story suggests, the princesses in Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa are happy. Their demeanor is fittingly captured in the dresses they wear which represent practically every hue in the rainbow. This particular princess goes for yellow, an accurate reflection of her bright disposition. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Ballerinas in yellow orange tutus stand out on the darkened stage as they dance a variation from the romantic ballet Paquita, part of the program in BM 2.0 (2015). Photo by Kurt Alvarez
Mylene Aggabao kicks it up a notch figuratively and literally while swathed in a gown in the delicate color of butter. This is part of a piece called Musika’t Pag-ibig, choreographed by Jonathan Janolo and seen in the suite TLC with Papa Jack in the OPM-powered production Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika (2014). Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Wrapped in sheaths of yellow and yellow green, the spiritual being called the Ada (Kyounglim Min) cares for those who have fallen into an enchanted sleep in Ang Palasyo ng mga Duwende. The story is part of Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (2013) based on Severino Reyes’ literary works as retold by Christine Bellen. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
