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 Interviews
Among the milestones of Ballet Manila’s 30th year was performing Don Quixote with world-renowned danseur, Kimin Kim, as Basilio.
Since Ballet Manila premiered it in 2017, this ballerina and her prince in real life have portrayed the Evil Queen and the Huntsman, respectively, several times that they never expected to be cast as the fairy tale’s lead characters.
Since their roles were originally choreographed for Joshua Enciso and Abigail Oliveiro, Rafael and Shamira were admittedly pressured by the idea that they wouldn’t be able meet the gold standard set by the two principal dancers.
On its milestone Pearl Year, Sofia and Romeo find themselves busier than ever.
Asked what her situation was like during the pandemic, Sam says she found herself craving to dance even more.
Having grown up with three brothers who trained and performed with Steps Dance Studio, it didn’t take long before Reign developed an interest in ballet herself.
Swan Lake holds a special place in the hearts of Ballet Manila principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames and Jasmine Pia Dames.
“It’s important to remember that the Siegfried I’m performing is my own.”
Principal ballerina Shaira Comeros never pictured herself as a Swan Queen.
Among the new faces to play the story’s evil sorcerer Von Rothbart are soloist John Ralp Balagot and company artist Rodney Catubay.
Almost marking a decade since he first started in Project Ballet Futures, Sixto knows that more challenges will come, but he’s sure about staying in ballet and working hard at getting better.
Asked what she missed exactly about Ballet Manila, this artist points at the very mission of the company: to bring ballet to the people.
The year 2025 is looking good for Project Ballet Futures (PBF) scholar Angelou Gamayon.
In her reprising of Odette and Odile in Ballet Manila’s upcoming production of Swan Lake, Abi expresses that the two-fold opportunity is extra special – because it’s as if she never stopped dancing the ballet.
“There really is no villain role like Rothbart. I’m very blessed to be given the opportunity to play him.”
While he is enjoying the view from the technical booth, Geri is far from hanging up his dancing shoes.
As it was her first time to experience an injury, Marinette didn’t know what the next steps were.
“And I’m very happy to be back with Ballet Manila!” exclaims the Japanese dancer.
“My mom recommended that I take classes with Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s company, and though I was only a guest at her studio for two days, it made a big impact on my technique and dancing.”
