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 Noah Esplana
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.
The ballet – to be performed today, October 26, 7:30 p.m., at the Taoyuan Arts Center – is part of the ongoing 2024 Taoyuan Iron Rose Art Festival.
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.
In this clip, company artists Noah Esplana and Stephanie Santiago as Aladin and Flerida share romantic moments while being forced apart by principal dancer Mark Sumaylo as Sultan Ali Adab.
Though still in its early stages, we get a sneak peek into the opening sequence of Florante at Laura – an action-packed choreography created on the music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab that sets the stage for the adventure ahead.
Tony Fabella’s Dancing to Verdi will be seen tonight, April 27, at the Ballet Dance Gala, showcasing a new generation of Ballet Manila artists and the choreographer’s gift for highlighting the dancers’ artistry and technique.
While Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Le Corsaire – Ballet Manila’s first production for its 26th performance season – is done, dusted, and relegated to the archives of the company, the show continues to weigh intensely in the minds of co-artistic associates Eileen Lopez and Gerardo Francisco Jr.
In this clip are photographs featuring both casts from the season opening performance of Le Corsaire.
Pure entertainment” is how Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde describes Le Corsaire, the pirate adventure which will open the company’s 26th performance season.
It will indeed be a hectic year for Ballet Manila as revealed in a media conference by artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, noting that the full slate of performances is a tribute to her late beloved dance partner, co-artistic director and friend Osias Barroso Jr. who passed away last December 16.
Ballet Manila had reason to celebrate in 2023, as it was the year the company was finally able to stage a full season again – live and in the theater – after a three-year drought caused by the pandemic and the loss of its performance venue and home, Aliw Theater, to a fire in 2019.
Even in retirement, The Nutcracker has remained an indelible part of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s life. Moreso this year when it has turned out to be a special Nutcracker season for Ballet Manila and the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet, comprised of performances in Taoyuan in Taiwan, and in Manila and in Baguio in the Philippines.
Baguio City will witness a showcase of dance like no other as Ballet Manila stages The Silver Gala – spotlighting both the classics and contemporary originals – on October 29 at CAP John Hay Theater.
“I really just have to work with what I’ve got and try to make it work and do the best that I can.”
In this clip are excerpts of Sayaw Pinoy – a tribute to a vibrant culture stemming from over a hundred years of independence.
To celebrate Mother’s Day today, we asked seven Ballet Manila artists to talk about the most important female figure in their lives growing up.
