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 tagged Florante at Laura
As the nation observes All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2), the Ballet Manila Archives shares examples of the company finding that delicate combination of strength, grace and emotion in depicting the loss of life through dance.
Choreographed by BM’s co-artistic associate Gerardo Francisco Jr. and guest choreographer Martin Lawrance to the original music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, it returned to the Aliw Theater this weekend, offering a visual feast with the masterful storytelling.
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.
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.
As if making up for lost time because of the pandemic, Ballet Manila was in full-throttle mode in 2024.
In accepting the award, co-choreographers Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance each acknowledged the crucial role of the dancers in making the first-ever ballet version of Florante at Laura a reality.
After its world premiere last October 12, Ballet Manila’s Florante at Laura has reaped a generally positive assessment from various quarters.
After its world premiere last October at Aliw Theater, Florante at Laura takes center stage at the Hyundai Hall of Areté at the Ateneo de Manila University.
Ballet Manila is taking on the last quarter of the year with a full-packed schedule that’s taking the company places – literally – with a slate of performances in the Philippines and abroad.
Ballet Manila's performance of Florante at Laura is not just a dance but a profoundly moving and inspiring artistic achievement.
Adolfo lacks this kind of acceptance of the “law of Heaven.” Thus, he disrespects and violates it.
At 70, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab is specific about the projects he still wants to take on.
Balagtas' Florante at Laura features two fathers and sons, each with unique and complex dynamics: the noble Duke Briceo and his son Florante of Albania and the ignoble Sultan Ali-Adab and his son Aladin of Persia.
To successfully achieve the cinematic feel for their upcoming production Florante at Laura, Ballet Manila has welcomed to their artistic team two previous collaborators: set designer Mio Infante and the costume design team Make it Happen Workshop.
In this clip, we get a rare look at the actual process of creation. Working with principal dancer Joshua Enciso and company artist Jefferson Balute, Gerardo tweaks a specific movement in a battle scene when Joshua as Florante defeats his many enemies.
There are two heroines in Balagtas' masterpiece, Laura and Flerida. Both of them are blessed with mesmerizing beauty.
The main character of Francisco Balagtas' masterpiece is an exemplary man who believes in pure love and unassuming kindness.
In this video from the rehearsals of Ballet Manila’s Florante at Laura, the lovers share a tender moment. Performing the title roles are principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Joshua Enciso.
