Soundbites: ‘Ibong Adarna took flight and soared high without hesitation’
Debuting in the title role of Ibong Adarna in 2017, Abigail Oliveiro is described by reviewer Erica Marquez-Jacinto as having the gracefulness of a swan and the passion of a firebird.
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. As the company marks its 31st anniversary this year, we mine the Archives for published tidbits describing moments from its rich and continuously evolving history, as spoken by its own leaders and dancers or as said by those writing about them.
Choreographer Gerardo Francisco Jr. infused Ibong Adarna with electrically-charged dances requiring precision and presence of mind to be executed well.
The power of this ballet lies in its choreography. [Choreographer Gerardo Francisco successfully weaved patterns, created levels, and crafted sequences that were visually exciting. He has a penchant for rhythmical, electrically-charged dances which all typically require precision and presence of mind to be executed well. This is consistent in all the sections throughout the ballet. The ballet’s best moments were the wonderfully-shaped laudable unisons and ensemble work.
Within minutes of the show, it was quickly established that the ensemble would not take a back seat in this production. The opening number of boys and girls was energetic and polished. The first unison introduced the capacity of the dancers. Both the soloists and the crowd had their moment to shine. The amazon women also collectively displayed a powerful tour de force delivered with a singular breath…
Overall, the Ibong Adarna took flight and soared high without hesitation. Francisco’s first effort at a ballet was rich in flavor and abundant in talent. Led by Gerardo Francisco, Ballet Manila was rewarded with thunderous appreciative applause. It is beginnings like this that affirm that singular opportunities seized fervently can amount to more.
Erica Marquez-Jacinto
Ballet Manila Takes Flight with Ibong Adarna
theaterfansmanila.com
August 29, 2017
The Amazonas collectively displayed a powerful tour de force delivered with a singular breath.
