In Their Own Words: Soloist Rissa May Camaclang on always looking presentable
In their own words, the artists of Ballet Manila share their thoughts and experiences on not merely surviving but flourishing in the very challenging world of dance. This series is a collection of personal anecdotes, as well as words of wisdom that can be heartwarming, funny or dramatic, but always inspiring regardless of what field one is pursuing.
You can’t just roam around the streets of Pasay tapos makikita ka nila na hindi ka presentable. Matatanong ka, “Taga saan ka?” “Ay, Ballet Manila po ako!” Ah ganyan pala ang Ballet Manila! Mga mukhang tambay lang! Siyempre, huwag ganu’n! I find time to be presentable and show up on time.
It just goes to show how Ma’am Lise [Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila artistic director] and Sir Shaz [Osias Barroso Jr., the late former Ballet Manila co-artistic director] brought us up. It’s part of being professional. It’s the training. It’s the respect.
You can’t just roam around the streets of Pasay for the world to see you not looking presentable. You’ll get asked, “Where are you from?” “Oh, I’m from Ballet Manila!” Oh, so that’s Ballet Manila! You look just like a lazy bystander! Of course, we shouldn’t be like that! I find time to be presentable and show up on time.
It just goes to show how Ma’am Lise and Sir Shaz brought us up. It’s part of being professional. It’s the training. It’s the respect.
Top photo: Ballet Manila soloist Rissa May Camaclang is mindful of presenting herself well whenever she goes out. Photo from Rissa May Camaclang’s Facebook page
Rissa May performs as one of the Big Swans in the recent run of Swan Lake at Aliw Theater. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
