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.

Personally, mas madali. Kasi sa amin ni Joshua (Enciso), nagki-click ’yung partnering namin. Since Sir Shaz’s [late co-artistic director Osias Barroso Jr.] time, nagpa-partner na kami tapos naturuan pa kami ni Sir Shaz ng magandang partnering class. So, sobrang nagki-click yung partnership namin sa sayaw.

Nag-set kami ng rule na pag may kailangan ka, sabihin mo. Communication is key.

Sa studio, kunwari may hindi nagawa or may kailangang i-correct, sobrang dali naming mag-usap. “Ano’ng kailangan mo?” o “Puwedeng pahingi ng ganyan?” Sobrang daling mag-approach at mas komportable.

Number one daw kasi talaga sa partnering is ’yung trust. The rest will follow. So ’yun ang advantage, ’yung trust namin sa isa’t isa, lalo on stage. Ako, lalo, sa kanya. Hindi na ko nag-iisip ng kailangang gawin o kung paano mag-adjust kasi gamay niyo na ’yung isa’t isa. ’Yan ’yung advantage. 

Personally, I find it easier because with Joshua, our partnering really clicks. Since Sir Shaz’s time, we’ve been partnering and he taught us during partnering class. Our partnership in dance really clicks.

We set a rule between us that if we need something, we say so. Communication is key.

At the studio, if there’s something we weren’t able to do or if there’s something that needs correcting, it’s very easy for us to talk. “What do you need?” or “Can you give me something like this?” It’s so easy to approach each other and we’re very comfortable.

The number one thing about partnering is trust. The rest will follow. So that’s the advantage, it’s the trust that we share with each other especially on stage. Me, especially, with him. I don’t need to think about what I need to do or how to adjust because we’re so used to each other’s movements. That’s the advantage.

Top photo courtesy of Joshua Enciso