Three of a Kind: Gal pals in ballet

They say that good things come in threes and the Ballet Manila Archives wholeheartedly agrees! In this series, we feature three photos or videos with the same theme that celebrates the history of ballet, the company, and its dancers.

What’s a leading lady without her girl best friend by her side? We are shining the spotlight on those supportive ladies in ballet who keep the strict father occupied, the unwanted suitor distracted, and the right man within easy reach.

Gulnara, in Le Corsaire, is the ultimate wingman! Or should we say wingwoman? Not only is she a supportive friend to Medora but her choices ensure that they each end up with the man they love.

In this photo from 2018, principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames is Gulnara joyfully dancing in the Naila Waltz. Both she and principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro, who performed as her Medora, debuted in their respective roles that year. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

Birds of the same feather truly flock together and Kitri and Mercedes in Don Quixote are no exception. Both strong-willed and empowered, they have each other’s backs all the time. At one point, Mercedes’ voluminous skirt is even used to hide Kitri from her father Lorenzo who is trying to set her up with the wealthy but narcissistic Gamache.

In Ballet Manila’s 2006 production of Don Quixote, co-artistic associate Eileen Lopez took on the role of the fiery Mercedes with her signature backbends and delicate maneuvering around wine bottles on pointe. Photo by Ocs Alvarez

Flora, in Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s La Traviata, is often shallow and flighty. But when it comes to protecting Violetta, all bets are off. She literally catches Violetta when she faints after a fight with Alfredo. Towards the end when Violetta is dying, Flora delivers to her a crucial letter from Alfredo’s father.

Company artist Marinette Franco stepped into the role of Flora when La Traviata was showcased in Rise!, Ballet Manila’s first major production at the Aliw Theater in 2022 when the company re-opened after the pandemic and the fire. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag