Ballet Manila invited me and some other friends from media for a preview of their 22nd season - Flights of Fantasy .
I have always been a huge fan of Ballet. But watching last season's entire line up made me love it more.
During the media launch, we watched snippets of their line up this year and I must say that I am more than amazed.
“Ballet Manila is entering a new age.” - Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
Those words by the Prima-ballerina, CEO and Artistic Director of Ballet Manila - Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, are super true. And that is why I love it.
While they are keeping their classical dance roots, they are not afraid to venture out and try different things. To offer something new. To engage to their audience. And to make ballet relatable.
This season will open with Gerardo Francisco's
A story that we Filipinos could relate to. A story that we grew up hearing. A story that is required to be studied in school. A part of our curriculum.
I am excited for this show especially when I saw my favorite ballerina Abigail Oliveiro bring Adarna to life. You have to wait for my YouTube video of her performance because I'm very sure you'd agree with me that this is one of the best you'll ever see.
I was mesmerized. And I am so excited.
Choreographed by the one of the company’s principal dancers and multi-awarded choreographer, Gerardo Francisco, the show will bring to life the magical kingdom of Berbanya with modern production techniques, flying sequences, and impressive routines that can rival even those of the most well-known classical pieces. It will feature Gia Macuja Atchison, a West End star, as the voice of Ibong Adarna, and will also showcase music by Diwa de Leon, set and costume design by Make It Happen Workshop, and script by Angela Blardony Ureta.
Ibong Adarna makes its world premiere on August 26 at 6 PM. Other show dates are: September 2 at 6:00 PM and on August 27 and September 3 at 3:00 PM.
Next in line is the
This ballet favorite is something I would always look forward to. I have never seen a full length show of Swan Lake so I'm very excited with this.
For its version of Swan Lake, Ballet Manila’s production features the original Lev Ivanov choreography for the white acts and a brand-new set design by Miguel Faustmann. It will also make use of new costumes created by fashion designer Michael Miguel and live accompaniment from the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov of Russia’s Marinsky Theater.
“Swan Lake is, for me, the ultimate test for a classical ballerina. To dance the dual roles of Odette and Odile is one of the most difficult roles to do because you need to be vulnerable and lyrical as the white swan and sharp and steely as the black swan.”
Swan Lake goes on stage on the following dates: October 7 and October 14 at 6:00 PM and October 8 and October 15 at 3:00 PM.
And then, in time for the Christmas season, they will feature
Last year's Cinderella was a huge hit. Choreographed by non other than Lisa Macuja herself, this is Ballet Manila's 2nd original production.
Ballet Manila fans are so excited for this magical experience once more. I am more than excited for the #FabSkye to catch it. Last year's Cinderella made her so so so happy.
Come November, the company will stage its second original production this season, and Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s second full-length choreography work—Snow White. Aimed at making the holiday season more magical for everyone, Ballet Manila promises to bring everyone a heartwarming take to the classic tale.
“We are making Snow White a more magical and musical experience for everybody—from toddlers to the lolos and lolas,” says Macuja-Elizalde. “I won’t reveal much, but we are working so hard to make sure that our version leaves a mark that will make the holidays more memorable and spectacular.”
The Snow White world premiere is set for November 25 at 6:00 PM. Other show dates are December 2 at 6:00 PM, and November 26 and December 3 at 3:00 PM
And to close Flights of Fantasy, Ballet Manila will stage another installment of its widely-popular Ballets & Ballads. Happening in February 2018, this edition will feature live music by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.
“Ballet is a form of dance that is usually accompanied by music without words. By dancing to popular ballads performed live, we are showing another side to our storytelling—one that is more appealing and relatable to the modern audience. And again, this is in line with Ballet Manila’s vision of bringing ballet closer to the people, and the people closer to ballet.”
In addition to the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet & Ballads will also premiere British choreographer Martin Lawrance’s Aria. Lawrance has collaborated with Ballet Manila many times in the recent past, most notably in the the highly-acclaimed original, Rebel.
You can catch Ballet & Ballads on the following dates: February 10 and 17, 2018 at 6:00 PM, and February 11 and 18, 2018 at 3:00 PM.
I am more than excited for this season's line up. I'm sure you guys are excited as well. All of the shows on the line up are something to look forward to.
Wala ka talagang palalampasin. They have something for everyone as well. From the classical show and all time favorites to originals to kiddie shows. Lahat talaga dapat panoorin.
So to my friends na excited na for this year's line up, this is it! You have to put it on your calendars and don't dare miss!
For more information about the shows, including ticket prices and schedules, you may visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or follow Ballet Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tickets are also available through all TicketWorld outlets. Please call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph for more information. In addition, those who are planning to watch all the shows may take advantage of the company’s Season Subscription Programs, which offer up to 50% discount on ticket prices. For more information, you may visit www.ticketworld.com.ph/balletmanila/Online/ and click on ‘View Details’ under ‘Season Subscription Program’.
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