Soundbites: ‘The frequency of Ballet Manila’s concerts at Aliw Theater defies comprehension’
The Umbrella Dance is one of the many colorful spectacles in Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
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.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Osias Barroso Jr. perform a passionate pas de deux from Eric V. Cruz’s Carmen in Lisa@25. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
“The frequency of Ballet Manila’s concerts at Aliw Theater defies comprehension. The recent full-length program Lisa@25 was soon followed by the ballet Don Quixote in its entirety, with the full-length presentation of Alamat: Si Sibol at Si Gunaw ensuing last week. What defies comprehension even more is that the frequency of the concerts in no way affected their quality, each being excellent in its distinctive fashion. This may be partially explained by the cast which, although exceptionally huge, is remarkably trained and disciplined; even its baby ballerinas and danseurs incredibly dart in and out of the stage on cue!”
– ROSALINDA OROSA
Columnist
December 16, 2009
An awesome ‘Alamat’
Philippine Star
Rudy De Dios and Lisa Macuja Elizalde as Basilio and Kitri lead revelers in a festive celebration in Don Quixote. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
