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.
Manuel Molina’s Love Beyond Goodbye, showcased in Masterpieces in Motion (2011), features couples as they go through the different stages of relationships set to music by Josh Groban. Nazer Salgado and Yanti Marduli unravel their vignette dancing to To Where You Are in matching orange costumes designed by the choreographer. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
At the palace courtyard, there is celebration in the air as Prince Siegfried turns 21 in Swan Lake (2005). As part of the festivities, a waltz is danced in Act 1, with the ladies – Sarah Abigail Cruz, Gabriela Galvez, Eileen Lopez and Zaira Cosico – wearing eye-catching orange. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
John Balagot channels a groovy vibe in this orange turtleneck top and those shades he has just taken off in keeping with the music used in The Winding Road. Choreographed by Martin Lawrance to a medley of songs by The Beatles, the work premiered in Deux (2019). Photo by Ian Santos
The relationship between Acteon (Alfren Salgado) and Diane (Tiffany Chiang-Janolo) is heightened, thanks to their complementing costumes in shades of orange. Diane and Acteon, a popular pas de deux from the ballet Esmeralda about the goddess falling in love with the hunter, was restaged in Maligayang Christmas (2011). Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Rissa May Camaclang dazzles in orange as a castmember of Dalagang Pilipina, the late Tony Fabella’s tribute to the modern Filipina which is also a celebration of dance and fashion. This Ballet Manila staple is currently featured in Sayaw Pinoy, a free show seen in Star City from Thursday to Sunday at 6 p.m. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
At Gamzatti and Solor’s betrothal in La Bayadere (2013), many ceremonial numbers are presented to entertain guests. Here, the performers clad in orange costumes rouse the crowd with their drum-thumping Indian Dance. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa, one of three tales making up Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (2011), focuses on a dozen sisters who are the delight of their father, the king, until he discovers that they secretly head to the forest at night. The princesses’ wardrobe comes in brilliant colors – such as this orange frock worn by Hyo-Bi Lee – for their mysterious nocturnal wandering. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
