Soundbites: ‘Excellence in dance demands discipline, resilience and an unyielding passion for the art’
Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa’s Bloom, created especially for Ballet Manila, highlights the strength of the company’s male dancers.
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 The Pearl Gala in March 2025, a celebration of its 30th anniversary, features the premiere of Pearls as choreographed by artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde and guest choreographer Martin Lawrance.
“Ballet Manila’s ‘Pearl Gala’ was more than a performance. It was a tribute to three decades of artistry, discipline and evolution.
“Celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary, the performance showcased a well-curated repertoire that honored its classical foundations while embracing contemporary innovation…
“Ballet Manila has proven time and again that excellence in dance requires more than just talent — it demands discipline, resilience and an unyielding passion for the art. In its 30th year, the company continues to push boundaries, making ballet not just an elite art form but an experience that resonates deeply with audiences.
“The “Pearl Gala” was not just a milestone event — it was a reaffirmation of Ballet Manila’s place in the world of dance, a promise of even greater things to come.”
— CARLO OROSA
‘Pearl Gala’ reaffirms Ballet Manila’s place in the world of dance
The Philippine Star
March 9, 2025
Photos by Erica Marquez-Jacinto
Thirty years on, Ballet Manila – seen here performing the Paquita Divertissement in The Pearl Gala – has proven why it’s the country’s leading classical ballet company.
