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.

Pag magko-competition, kailangang ibigay ’yung best mo kahit sa rehearsal pa lang. Doon po makukuha. Kung paano ka sumayaw sa rehearsal, ganoon ka na rin sumayaw sa competition. At sa mga klase, dapat focused talaga. Kasi doon nagsisimula ang lahat, sa klase. Kung hindi ka maayos mag-klase, huwag ka nang umasa na maayos ’yung sayaw mo sa competition.

When competing, you need to give it your best even during rehearsals. That’s where you’ll get it done. How you dance during rehearsals is how you will dance in the competition. And in class, you need to be focused. That’s where everything starts, in class. If you don’t take your class seriously, don’t even hope that you will dance well during the competition.

Top photo: Stanley during a technical dress rehearsal of Ibong Adarna where he got to dance multiple corps roles. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag