‘Giselle’: A celebration of Ballet Manila’s history of excellence

While Kitri in Don Quixote is known as the signature role of Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, it is Giselle that can be considered the signature ballet of BM. Since its inception in 1995, the company has performed variations, scenes, or the full-length in competitions, tours, and season productions year after year.

“Giselle is one of the most sought-after ballerina roles not just because of the ballet’s technical demands but more so because of the dramatic intensity and interpretation that the role requires,” the prima ballerina wrote in her Director’s Notes in 2010.

Indeed, it is challenging to the principal dancers taking on the lead roles of Giselle and Albrecht as they dance through a whirlwind of emotions – from love to heartbreak, from madness to death, and from compassion to redemption. But it is equally demanding of the corps de ballet who celebrate the charming peasant as their Harvest Queen in Act 1 then transform to become the vengeful wilis – maidens who died on the eve of their wedding – forcing every and all men with the misfortune of straying into their dominion to dance until they die.  

As every balletomane understands, the corps de ballet is the true measure of a company’s worth. For dozens of dancers to breathe as one, move as one, and dance as one, it takes talent, technique, and hundreds of hours of rehearsals to achieve this magic. And this is most evident in Ballet Manila when the company performs Giselle. It highlights BM’s artistry, strength and technique. And in doing so, it shines a light on the values at the core of the company: hard work, teamwork, discipline, dedication and passion.

As Giselle returns to the stage on August 31 and September 1 at Aliw Theater, we look back to the company’s many performances of the classic and celebrate Ballet Manila’s history of excellence.