This Month in BM History: November 1997
An item in a local newspaper in Cagayan De Oro announces the show of Ballet Manila led by principal dancers Osias Barroso Jr. and Lisa Macuja, with balladeer Ariel Rivera as guest artist. Clipping from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
As a touring group in its early years, Ballet Manila was able to tap a variety of audiences all over the Philippines, including those that had not seen ballet before.
Ballet Manila’s Ballet & Ballads in Davao City on November 30, 1997 had singer Nelson Del Castillo as the featured performer. Souvenir program from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
In 1997, with the Manila Broadcasting Company as sponsor, the company’s reach grew even bigger through its roadshow series called Ballet & Ballads. By partnering with MBC’s network of radio stations nationwide, it was able to present a unique show that combined dance and song, featuring guest artists in each place.
In late November 1997, Ballet Manila was able to stage two such shows under the Ballet & Ballads banner. First, on November 27, it had an engagement at the Grand Caprice Ballroom with balladeer Ariel Rivera as guest artist – with tickets sold at a minimum price of P100 in keeping with the company’s mission to make ballet more accessible to viewers.
Three days later, on November 30, the group then had a show at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym in Davao City, with singer Nelson Del Castillo – then most known for his hit You’re My Best Friend – as featured performer.
In both shows, the repertoire highlighted excerpts from the popular Christmas classic The Nutcracker, including the pas de deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy with her Nutcracker Prince and the enchanting Rose Waltz. There was also the Original Pilipino Music Suite comprised of vignettes of romance, happiness, hardship and success danced to contemporary Filipino music as choreographed by Tony Fabella.
The guest artists then essayed their signature numbers in their respective shows, before joining Ballet Manila in the grand finale, with the company dancing to each of their songs performed live.
Presented by MBC Radio, the show in Davao City was held at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym. Invitation from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
