In their own words, the artists of Ballet Manila share their thoughts and experiences on not merely surviving but flourishing in the very challenging world of dance. This series is a collection of personal anecdotes, as well as words of wisdom that can be heartwarming, funny or dramatic, but always inspiring regardless of what field one is pursuing.

I don’t have the ideal ballet body. I’m not the most turned out. I don’t have the best feet. But I accept it. You just have to make do with what you’ve got.

Actually, it was probably during the pandemic when I really accepted that some things just aren’t gonna happen. I’m not gonna be flat turned-out ever. My feet aren’t gonna be like that. So I really just have to work with what I’ve got and try to make it work and do the best that I can.

I wanna dance for as long as I can. I will keep trying to improve.

Top photo by MarBi Photography