Ballet Manila was a newsmaker from the very beginning. Over the years, as it grew and reached milestones, it has been the subject of countless stories in media. With the company celebrating its Pearl Anniversary in 2025, we mine the Archives for published tidbits describing moments from its 30-year history, as spoken by its own leaders and dancers or as said by those writing about them.

"All told, we welcome the birth of Ballet Manila with excitement and celebration. In six weeks, the company has been able to establish its distinct style: the dancers' heads slightly angled, and the arms spread in graceful extension. Based on the high level of professional discipline which the dancers displayed in their two-night launching concert, it would not be surprising if Ballet Manila would soon be the Philippines' definitive classical dance company."

 —  FRANK MALLO
Arts writer and critic
February 21, 1995
Ballet Manila's magnificent debut
The Manila Chronicle