The Ballet Manila Archives is the repository of documents, print, photographic, audio and video materials and memorabilia relating to the history of Ballet Manila and the life and career of its founder, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. This site is powered by Ms. Elizalde and Project Art, Inc.
All in Features
In this lookback, we present the ways Ballet Manila has made a point – literally and figuratively – with swords. Ready, set, on guard!
Turning 61 on October 3, Macuja Elizalde reflected on how relying on those same values can shape anyone’s journey.
The first ballet adaptation of Francisco Balagtas’ epic poem, using a libretto written by Dr. Michael Coroza, Florante at Laura was described by a critic as “a moving experience rich in cultural wisdom and literary depth” shortly after its debut in 2024.
What is also special about this Don Quixote is that it brings together Lisa, Renata and Kimin who share ballet bonds that run deep.
At the ballet classic’s end – when the swan corps waves to a reunited Odette and Prince Siegfried in the afterlife – the crowd would break into wild applause and animated cheers as the stage grew dark and the curtains closed.
We aimed high and went on a hunt for ballets that feature bows – and surprisingly hit our mark!
As we observe Father’s Day, we take a look at these paternal figures who have graced the stage and made their mark for good or bad.
Ballet Manila’s recent staging of Swan Lake brought two artists from the San Francisco Ballet to the Philippines to dance the role of Prince Siegfried: principal Esteban Hernández and soloist Nathaniel Remez.
Ballet Manila’s recent Swan Lake production marked the much-awaited homecoming of the youngest principal that it has had in its 30-year history, Katherine Barkman.
Ballet Manila is set to return to Swan Lake – the much-heralded classical warhorse it last staged in 2017 – with five performances that will kick off on May 30 at Aliw Theater.
On Mother’s Day, we take a look at scenes from Ballet Manila’s productions of Swan Lake that show this woman in her maternal element – loving, affectionate, reassuring.
Whether used as a symbol to underscore certain themes or as an element that is purely decorative, flowers undeniably create an impact or add visual appeal to a ballet.
Whatever you may call him – a clown, a jester or a harlequin – he’s the one who’s been injecting fun and humor in many a ballet scene.
“When you are a member of a touring company, you cannot afford to be a complainer.” How true.
