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.

It takes a village to raise a ballerina or a danseur, and so much more to produce a full-length show. On stage, they play a wide range of roles: the fellow who hands the cup to the lead, the best friend whose solo prepares the audience for the lead’s pas de deux, the corps that moves beautifully in unison and sets the stage for the finale, and the principal dancers who tell the story through movement. The parts they play, however, are not mere roles but magical ingredients vital in creating an enchanting ballet.

As we celebrate International Dance Day, we pay tribute to every single dancer who went on stage and performed their part to the best of their abilities in Ballet Manila’s productions over the years. In this clip are excerpts from the company’s productions of Giselle, Swan Lake and Don Quixote featuring scenes that highlight the beauty of the ballet and the alchemists – all the dancers moving in harmony – who make the magic happen.