Storytellers On Toes

History

Widely acclaimed as the Philippines’ leading classical dance company, Ballet Manila was established in 1995 by 12 young dancers led by principal artists Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Osias Barroso under the guidance of its founding artistic director, Eric V. Cruz.

From its origins as a small and adventurous touring ensemble known for performing the classics with aplomb, whether in theaters or in non-traditional venues like schools, parks, and sporting arenas, Ballet Manila has grown into a renowned professional company that is currently home to over 40 international dancers from diverse cultural backgrounds, all trained extensively in the Vaganova (Russian) technique.

In the last 23 years, Ballet Manila has clocked over 5,000 local productions and more than 300 international performances (including invitational guest appearances by its award-winning principals and soloists) across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

The company continues to champion excellence in the classics by staging full-length productions of immortal favorites such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Giselle, La Bayadere, Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, Le Corsaire and the like in every performance season.

Moreover, Ballet Manila has also commissioned original works from highly esteemed local and international choreographers, whose contemporary pieces lend vibrance and innovation to the company’s rich and wide-ranging repertoire.

In 2015, in recognition of its immeasurable contribution in bringing ballet closer to the hearts of the masses, Ballet Manila was elevated to the Hall of Fame by the Aliw Awards, one of the oldest and most prestigious award-giving bodies in the Philippine entertainment industry.