In Their Own Words: Principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames on dancing with soloist Noah Esplana for the first time
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.
Dati, pag pas de deux, iisipin ko lang ’yung variation ko kasi nasanay ako na sila Kuya Rudy (De Dios, former principal dancer) at sila Kuya Romeo (Peralta, principal dancer). Okay na ’yan. Kaya na nila ako. Nu’ng na-partner ako kay Noah (Esplana, soloist) with zero experience in partnering, na-stress talaga ako! Hindi lang kasi sarili mo ang iisipin mo. Iisipin mo rin pati siya. Na-shock din ako!
Pero ngayon, chillax na ako. Alam kong kaya na ni Noah ’yan!
Before, when it came to pas de deux, I only had to think of my own variation because I was used to dancing with the likes of Kuya Rudy and Kuya Romeo. It was all okay. They knew how to handle me. But when I was partnered with Noah with zero experience in partnering, I was so stressed! You don’t only think of yourself. You also have to worry about him. I was really in shock!
But now, I’m chillax. I’m confident that Noah’s got me!
Top photo: Pia Dames is held aloft by soloist Noah Dames with one hand as they perform the Don Quixote variation in Ballet Manila’s Greatest Hits in Malaysia (2024). Photo by Larry Salgado
