In Their Own Words: Company artist Samantha Garay on how commitment helped her stay the course
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.
Maraming times na gusto ko nang mag-stop, mag-quit. Pero pag naiisip ko na ten years na ng buhay ko ang binigay ko for this, ngayon pa ba ako susuko? Doon ko nare-realize na kailangan kong tumayo ulit at lumaban
There were many times when I wanted to stop, to quit. But when I think of how I have given ten years of my life for this, should I give up now? That’s when I realize that I need to stand up again and continue to fight.
Top photo: Ballet Manila company artist Samantha Garay takes class on stage in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Photo by Larry Salgado
Samantha performs as one of the trumpet girls in Cinderella which Ballet Manila brought to Malaysia in 2025. Photo by Larry Salgado
