Soundbites: ‘Ballet Manila is a company to watch’
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.
Ballet Manila’s Pioneer 12, led by principal dancers Osias Barroso Jr. and Lisa Macuja (third and fourth from left), rented space in various studios during their first year. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives
“Ballet Manila is a company to watch. And they are being watched because they have something to show... to friends and foes alike. The dancers are incredibly beautiful, dedicated and as determined as the nucleus that formed them.
“The company is barely a year old but they will be two, then 10, then 26, celebrating decades of tenacious will. Clearly, they will find their own identity and their place in the competitive world of dance.”
– EDNA VIDA
Dance writer
December 4, 1995
The brave, dedicated Ballet Manila in
The Philippine Star
