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Ballerinas Aileen Gallerina, Pamela Asprer, Melanie Motus and Sandralynn Huang share their thoughts from that groundbreaking Le Corsaire production. Added to the mix is a recent recollection from Eileen Lopez, a BM pioneer who is now the company’s co-artistic associate.

Feb 15

Feb 15 The first and latest Corsaire

Videos

As Ballet Manila prepares for a new staging of Le Corsaire — a version choreographed by artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde — on February 24 and 25 at the Aliw Theater, we look back at the company’s first and latest performances of this beloved pirate adventure.

Feb 9

Feb 9 This Month in BM History: February 1998

When Ballet Manila staged its first-ever Le Corsaire in 1998, it did so on a grand scale.

Feb 2

Feb 2 From the Mailbox: A legacy of warmth and goodwill in New Orleans

From the Mailbox

Former Louisiana state legislator and state treasurer Mary L. Landrieu penned a letter of gratitude and appreciation addressed to the company which was published in the program of their show held in Roussel Hall at Loyola University.

Oct 28

Oct 28 This Month in BM History: October 1997

A year after their first foray to the United States, the 15-member Ballet Manila was back for another tour with stops this time in Washington DC, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, Detroit and Cleveland.

Oct 18

Oct 18 Ballet Manila in full color: Positively pink

Ballet Manila is rosy in pink.

Jul 15

Jul 15 This Month in BM History: July 2002

Ballet Manila was the only company in the Philippines to have been able to bring Le Corsaire in its full-length form to the Filipino audience.

Sep 23

Sep 23 This Month in BM History: September 1999

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.

Aug 9

Aug 9 Don Quixote: The dreamy trio of Dulcinea, Amour and the Queen of the Dryads

Spotlight On The Classics

All three characters figure prominently in the second act where, after attacking windmills that he mistakes for various monsters, a wounded Don Quixote falls asleep and dreams of his beloved Dulcinea.

Jul 9

Jul 9 Ballet Manila in full color: Pretty in pink

Ballet Manila blushes in pink.

Jul 2

Jul 2 This Month in BM History: July 1998

Touted as the “most popular ballet roadshow ever,” Ballet & Ballads headed for Northern Luzon in July 1998 for a show at the Don Alipio Fernandez Astrodome in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

Feb 17

Feb 17 Remembering Ballet Manila’s debut

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.

Sep 4

Sep 4 Ballet Manila Moments: Bringing the pirate to the Philippines

Ballet Manila Moments

This clip features scenes from three shows of Le Corsaire – one in 1998 (with Osias Barroso and Pamela Asprer) and two in 2018 (with Katherine Barkman and Nicole Barroso as Gulnara, and with Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Oliveiro).

Aug 4

Aug 4 Ballet Manila Moments: A first-time choreographer’s quest

Ballet Manila Moments

On February 17, 1995, during Ballet Manila’s first performance as a company entitled Ballet Manila Dances!, Shaz also debuted as a professional choreographer with In Quest as his first offering.

Oct 30

Oct 30 ‘Le Corsaire’ 20 years after: Osias Barroso on sustaining Ballet Manila’s pirate breakthrough

Interviews

Having recently wrapped up their latest staging of Le Corsaire – the eighth time in 20 years – Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias “Shaz” Barroso sits down for an interview to look back at the company’s history with the colorful pirate epic.

Oct 27

Oct 27 Choreography in Focus: Pulp Asia by Edna Vida

Choreography In Focus

Choreographer Edna Vida doesn’t like to make things easy for dancers. In fact, Pulp Asia – which was commissioned by Ballet Manila in 1998 – was meant for them to push their limits.

Aug 31

Aug 31 This Month in BM History: August 1997

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.

Aug 3

Aug 3 Winged ballets: Firebird

In 2000, internationally acclaimed choreographer Jean Paul Comelin came to the Philippines to create his own interpretation of Firebird for Ballet Manila.

May 25

May 25 Ballet Manila School at 20: Looking back and moving forward