Ballet Manila in Full Color: Marooned

Ballet Manila has showcased a rich palette of hues in its productions over the years. Now, the company’s true colors are revealed! Gathering photographs from the Ballet Manila Archives, we present the vibrant and the somber, the heavenly to the earthy, in a series of virtual exhibitions – one shade at a time.

Clothed in a maroon ensemble, her hair covered by a flowing maroon veil, the temple dancer Nikiya (Renata Shakirova) has learned of Solor’s betrayal but must still perform at his betrothal to Gamzatti in La Bayadere (2026). At first, she is despondent. But given a basket of flowers that she thinks comes from Solor, she is invigorated and engages in spirited dancing, unknowing that a plot by the Rajah and Gamzatti to get rid of her is underway. Photo by Erica Marquez-Jacinto

The Stepmother (John Balagot) and her daughters (Jasmine Pia Dames and Judith Po) have tricks up their sleeves to become the center of attention at the ball in Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Cinderella (2023). While the sisters have their own antics, the matriarch aims to bedazzle in her maroon gown with glistening beads and accents along with her flashy jewelry. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

Resplendent in her gown in the lush color of maroon, the Queen (Janine Togonon) looks fondly at her son Siegfried (Nazer Salgado) as he kisses her hand, in gratitude for the gift he has just received from her – a bow he can use for his forays into the forest. The scene comes from Swan Lake (2011) where the prince, while hunting, later chances upon Odette – the woman cursed to be a swan by day – for the first time. Photo by Ocs Alvarez

Although she already has a wealthy patron who showers her with gifts, Violetta is swept off her feet by the charming Alfredo. In this scene from Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s La Traviata, the courtesan – clad in her a lacy maroon dress – surrenders to her emotions and dances with abandon while holding the rose that Alfredo has given her. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

Maroon serves as the pop of color in Shutter, a choreography by Francis Jaena that has a predominantly black look. The dramatic piece combines jazz, modern ballet and contemporary dance in its exploration of a camera’s movements and sounds as it clicks away to capture images. Shutter premiered in Heart 2 Heart: Ballet & Ballads (2014). Photo by Ocs Alvarez

Kitri and Basilio are all set to wed in Don Quixote (2024), and there is understandably a whiff of excitement in the air. The buntings have been hung in the plaza, while a variety of dances are performed one after the other. Among those joining in the celebration are these ladies portrayed by, from left, Gaile Jarlega, Angelika Tagupa and Elyssabeth Apilado – the picture of elegance in their maroon-topped tutus. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag

Wearing a maroon dress with sparkly accents and matching accessories on her head and neck, Lady Capulet (Zaira Cosico) is in her element as she is hoisted in the air by young men in Romeo and Juliet (2007). Inspired by the Shakesperean work, the ballet portrays the lady of the house as a woman conscious of her wealth and social standing while seemingly distant from her daughter Juliet. Photo by Ocs Alvarez