All tagged Jeffrey Espejo
It is one of the most coveted roles in classical ballet. Very few remember, however, that the male lead of Giselle was originally named Albert, Duke of Silesa, rather than Count Albrecht.
This clip shows a 1998 performance of pioneer principal dancer Osias Barroso, as well as photographs of former soloist Alvin Santos, soloist Joshua Enciso, and principal dancer Romeo Peralta who are among the many danseurs who have taken on the lead role in Nais Ko.
We take a look at how uniformed characters – including a platoon of female toy soldiers – have made their mark in Ballet Manila productions.
“I waited a very long time before choreographer Eric V. Cruz announced that I was ready to dance his Carmen.”
Staging the full-length Don Quixote in 1999 – just two years after its founding – was a major achievement for Ballet Manila given its still modest size then.
Kung Hindi Man – which plays on the word kundiman – premiered in 1995, Ballet Manila’s first year when they began as a touring company.
Barely two months after forming themselves into a new dance group, Ballet Manila – composed of twelve dancers under the leadership of artistic director of Eric V. Cruz – made its debut on February 17, 1995.
One of Osias Barroso’s earliest assignments as a choreographer was also among the most challenging.
Ballet Manila reached a significant milestone in February 1996. After performing all over the Philippines and even in Russia, the touring ensemble of twelve dancers had reason to celebrate – their first anniversary.
Just two years old, Ballet Manila decided to field seven soloists to the 6th Asian Pacific International Ballet Competition held from August 13 to 17, 1997 in Tokyo, Japan.
Since Ballet Manila started having a regular performance season in 1995, it has always included an all-Filipino production among its season offerings.
From the family lanai where weekly dance lessons were held to a school with two branches offering year-round ballet classes – that sums up the trajectory of the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila.
