This Month in BM History: August 2004
An announcement in the Aberdeen International Youth Festival souvenir program shows a photo of Ballet Manila, one of the featured performers. Program from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
In 2004, Ballet Manila represented the Philippines when it participated in the Aberdeen International Youth Festival which unfolded from August 4 to 14 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Dubbed the World Festival of Youth Arts, it was a multi-cultural celebration that brought together 600 of the finest young talents in music and dance.
Co-artistic director Osias Barroso Jr. (middle), one of the leaders of the Ballet Manila delegation in Aberdeen, and the company’s ballerinas show off the BM color. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
The festival fare was diverse, counting orchestra music, opera, contemporary dance, ballet, folk dance, brass band music and even a narrated concert. Aside from the Philippines and Scotland, countries represented included Spain, Venezuela, Ireland, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, India, Singapore, Senegal, Romania, Canada, Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe and Armenia.
The Festival Dance Gala was a showcase of the best young ballet and contemporary dance groups from around the world, including Ballet Manila, Dance Synergy from Singapore and the Finnish National Opera Ballet School. Ballet Manila’s chosen number was the all-male martial arts-inspired choreography, Arnis, by Ric Culalic.
The Ballet Manila boys just before their performance of the martial arts-inspired Arnis by Ric Culalic. Photo from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
Ballet Manila was also part of the International Variety Gala that featured among its highlights festival participants interpreting the best dance and music developed over the fortnight, capped with everyone performing on stage together.
It was a learning experience for the Ballet Manila delegation led by co-artistic director Osias Barroso Jr. and BM Foundation treasurer Susan Macuja. The dancers interacted with colleagues in the performing arts from other countries, participated in the “parade of nations” that marked the festival’s opening night, toured heritage sites in Aberdeen and immersed in a remarkable showcase of art and culture.
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Another page from the Aberdeen program shows a photo of Gerardo Francisco Jr. along with an entry on the International Variety Gala. Program from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
