From the Mailbox: A legacy of warmth and goodwill in New Orleans
Performing artists love the immediate response shown by audiences through applause and cheers. But they appreciate it just as much when they get feedback even after the curtains have gone down. This is certainly true for Ballet Manila dancers, management and staff who have received their fair share of heartwarming comments from a grateful public over the years. In this series, the Ballet Manila Archives will feature from its collection the reactions – handwritten, typed, published in newspapers or even posted on social media – of viewers towards the company after watching its shows.
A leaflet announcing details of Ballet Manila’s show in New Orleans features a photo of dancers Pamela Asprer, Osias Barroso Jr., Lisa Macuja and Ianne Damian in Sari’t Bahag. Leaflet from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
New Orleans was the last leg in Ballet Manila’s first performance tour in the United States in 1996, following stops in New York, Cleveland and Corpus Christi. In the city known as the Big Easy, the one-year-old company made its mark not just through their repertoire on stage but in the ties they managed to foster with residents and students even just in their short stay there. Former Louisiana state legislator and state treasurer Mary L. Landrieu penned a letter of gratitude and appreciation addressed to the company which was published in the program of their show held in Roussel Hall at Loyola University.
July 12, 1996
Dear Ballet Manila,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to New Orleans for the final performance of your first tour of the United States. In yet another accomplishment by your founder and prima ballerina, Lisa Macuja, you have provided Americans with a taste of the culture and beauty which can be found in the Philippines.
The letter of Mary Landrieu, Louisiana’s former state legislator and state treasure, is published in the souvenir program of Ballet Manila’s show in New Orleans. Souvenir program from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
From being the first non-Russian to become a member of the prestigious Kirov Ballet to providing guidance to the children of New Orleans through her teaching workshop last Wednesday, Ms. Macuja has shown us all that graces comes in many forms. The members of the company have reflected her strength and generosity throughout your stay here, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and goodwill that is sure to cement the already close bonds that tie our nations to yours.
As former state legislator and state treasurer, I have worked to enhance the quality of life of Louisiana’s children through the support of such cultural programs that educate our children’s hearts as well as minds. I believe that the education of America’s youth is the key to our future. It is that commitment to our children’s tomorrows that I want to take to Washington as Louisiana’s first senator who is also a mother.
The efforts of the Philippine Society for the Performing Arts in bringing you here have not gone unnoticed. Without the daily contributions of the society to the culture of this city, the charm of New Orleans would not shine as brightly as a beacon of diversity and friendship.
In closing, thank you for coming to New Orleans and for giving the people of this city the chance to appreciate the wonderful gifts of your talent and spirit. I wish for you a safe and quick journey home and impart to you my hope of a return engagement in the not-too-distant future.
With warmest regards,
(Sgd.) Mary L. Landrieu
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