In Their Own Words: Francesca Raypon on dancing in the Philippines
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.
Being back here and, especially, dancing here with all Filipinos is just something so heartwarming and something I’m so grateful to experience because it’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. I’ve never danced in this sort of environment before, and everyone has been so welcoming.
But I also greatly enjoy the challenge that comes with being with so many like-minded and so many fantastic Filipino dancers. To see my peers who are like me, and how they are striving for these things pushes me to strive for these things as well.
Top photos: Ballet Manila company artist Francesca Raypon takes class with colleagues at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre during the group’s recent performance run of Cinderella in Malaysia. Photo by Larry Salgado
Since moving from the US and joining Ballet Manila, Francesca Raypon has danced in such classics as Giselle (2024) and Swan Lake (above, during technical dress rehearsal last May). Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
