Ballet Manila Presents: Swan Lake

After the very successful Ibong Adarna, Ballet Manila is here again with the re-staging of Swan Lake.

Probably one of the most popular Ballet piece, this one is really a must-see for Ballet enthusiasts.

I can't wait to watch it with the #FabSkye because for sure she would love all the costumes and dance on Swan Lake.

Show schedules are October 7 & 14 at 6:00PM and October 8 & 15 at 3PM.

4 shows only and it's a full ballet show! So you must hurry up and get your tickets if you haven't yet.

Tickets are available through all TicketWorld outlets, just call 891-9999 or visit http://www.ticketworld.com.ph.

If you are planning to watch all the shows, you may take advantage of the company’s Season Subscription Programs. They offer up to 50% discount on ticket prices. For more information, you may visit http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/ and click on ‘View Details’ under ‘Season Subscription Program’. Hurry! Hurry!

To know more about Ballet Manila's Swan Lake, here's their official press release...

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde gets personal with Ballet Manila’s re-staging of Swan Lake.

It was the ballet that started it all. At 14, Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde saw Swan Lake with Prima Ballerina Yoko Morishita as the Swan Queen in all her tiny might. The encounter ignited a spark in Lisa, inspiring her to become the dancer and icon that she is today.

Coming from the unprecedented success of Gerardo Francisco’s Ibong Adarna, Ballet Manila’s 22nd Performance Season “Flights of Fantasy” soars yet again with the re-staging of Swan Lake, the timeless ballet classic. Ballet Manila’s production is not only part of the company’s commitment to have at least one classical ballet in every season’s repertoire, but also a promise of brilliance and grandeur. As Lisa would say so herself, “We have the numbers and the history which no other ballet company in the Philippines does. Our Vaganova training has made us into the perfect company to perform a truly world-class rendition of Swan Lake.” The Filipina Prima Ballerina, now training a younger generation of swans, believes that there’s only one way to perform Swan Lake—and that is with the original Lev Ivanov choreography for the “white acts” or the first act. Acts 2-4 will be featuring choreography by Russia People’s Artist Sergey Vikulov and Tatiana Udalenkova, whom Lisa regards as her second family.

Tatiana also played quite a role in Lisa’s special relationship with Swan Lake. Lisa shares, “With my best interest at heart, Tatiana warned me never to dance it, because in her expert opinion, I could never be a Swan Queen given my short stature, my particular strengths in dancing, specific style, and stage presence. When she watched my Swan Lake many years later after graduation, she cried and declared that never has she been so happy to be proven wrong.” Ballet Manila’s re-staging of Swan Lake will feature a new generation of ballerinas and danseurs. Katherine Barkman, Abigail Oliveiro, and Joan Sia, who makes her debut as the black swan, will be alternating the dual role of Odette/Odile, while resident guest artist Joseph Phillips, Elpidio Magat, Romeo Peralta, Rudy de Dios, and Mark Sumaylo will be alternating the role of Prince Siegfried.

The dual role of Odette/Odile is probably one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult role a ballerina to play. Lisa explains, “It not only calls for a chameleon-like change in character – but also for extraordinary technical requirements. For Odette, you need to be soft, pliant, and lyrical with an almost painful vulnerability. For Odile, you need legs and arms of steel, a fiery technique, speed, and the ability to transform into evil personified.” This demanding portrayal of the role is definitely one to look out for by the audience.

To add to the magic, the production will also feature the original score by Peter Tchaikovsky, which will be played live by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Russian conductor, Maestro Alexander Vikulov of the Mariinsky Theater. The haunting melodies alongside new sets and costumes will definitely make for a magnificent evening.

Swan Lake’s story is one that connects with the heartstrings of the family, as it revolves around the universal theme of good triumphing over evil. From romance to the sheer beauty of ballet, it is all here.

Through Ballet Manila’s rendition of Swan Lake, Lisa hopes that the company can inspire young children to work on their dreams too—just like how she did when she first saw the ballet.

And because I love you my dear #ReigningReaders, I'm giving away 2 tickets to 4 lucky winners  for the October 8 3PM or October 14 6PM shows.

All you have to do is like my Facebook Page, like Ballet Manila's Facebook Page and share this post with the hashtag #ReigningStillxBMSwanLake. Then leave a comment on this blog post with your email so I can get in touch with you!

Winners will be announced on the 6th of October. Goodluck!!

Ballet Manila Ballet Show