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.
As Romeo in Sergey Vikulov’s Romeo and Juliet, Osias Barroso Jr. is in white top and tights under a blue-green sheath that has a purple counterpart worn by his Juliet. The choreographic miniature was featured in 1984’s An Evening of Tchaikovsky where Ballet Manila partnered with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Just as the title of their story connotes, the princesses in Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa wear a bevy of happy hues to match their cheerful disposition. Among the perky colors is blue-green worn by Sofia Costales (foreground) in this scene from the story, one
As one of the village girls in the Spanish-flavored Don Quixote (2023), Ainslea Esplana dances with flair and flourish in her blue-green tutu – and a blue-green fan to match! Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
In her flouncy skirt made up of blue-green and pink panels, Rosaline (Dawna Reign Mangahas) catches the eye of the boys in Paul Vasterling’s Romeo and Juliet (2015). But while Romeo is smitten with her, the young lass does not return his affection, which soon leads him to turn his attention to her cousin Juliet. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Gerardo Francisco Jr. launches into a powerful leap in Le Corsaire (2013), his harem pants just as iconic as its blue-green color. The loyal servant distinguishes himself in Le Corsaire, particularly in the pas de trois with his master, the pirate Conrad, and the latter’s partner, damsel-in-distress Medora. Photo by Jojo Mamangun
A blue-green dress is worn by one of the female dancers featured in El Sol which has a light and sexy beat and theme. Choreographed by Ernest Mandap, El Sol had its world premiere in Halo-Halo: Lisa@20, Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s 20th anniversary celebration, in 2006. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Akari Ida makes a bold and bright statement in blue-green, dancing as one of the princesses being considered as a potential partner for Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake (2017). Photo by Ocs Alvarez
