Bow-struck

We aimed high and went on a hunt for ballets that feature bows – and surprisingly hit our mark!

Though already expected by the kingdom to choose a wife, Prince Siegfried (Osias Barroso Jr.) would rather attend to other pursuits first. In this scene from Swan Lake (2003), he has taken his bow and gone to the forest to hunt. There, he comes upon a bevy of swans led by Odette, an enchanted maiden, whom Siegfried unexpectedly falls for. Photo by Ocs Alvarez

The courageous Flerida (Stephanie Santiago) has fled the palace and the clutches of Sultan Ali Adab in Florante at Laura (2024). Witnessing the hapless Laura being attacked by the wicked Adolfo in the woods, Flerida readies her bow and fires an arrow, accurately hitting its mark. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag 

The hunter Acteon (Romeo Peralta) chances upon the goddess of the hunt Diane (Tiffany Chiang-Janolo) and a dance ensues, with her bow becoming a central element as they express themselves through steps and movements. The pas de deux was performed in Maligayang Christmas in 2011. Photo by Ocs Alvarez

Prince Siegfried (guest artist Nathaniel Remez) answers the call of the great outdoors in Swan Lake. Having just been gifted with a bow by his mother, he excitedly goes on a hunt, not knowing that his life is about to change as he will meet Odette, a princess cursed by the sorcerer Rothbart to be a swan by day. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

Armed with her bow, Diane (Jasmine Pia Dames) freely roams the woodlands. She subsequently encounters the hunter Acteon and, in a dance inspired by myth as showcased in the production Deux (2019), the pair engage in a dramatic portrayal of the passionate and powerful characters. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

On turning twenty-one, Prince Siegfried (Rudy De Dios) gratefully receives a bow from the Queen Mother (Lisa Macuja Elizalde) in Swan Lake (2017). It is a gift that ultimately leads him to meet the love of his life. Photo by Ocs Alvarez