The 4 Breathtaking Shows for the 24th Performance Season of Ballet Manila

Hello po! Frens, it was an honor to be invited to the media launch of On Pointé with the Philippines' Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja Elizalde. It was held at the S Maison last July 15, 2019. Ballet Manila is the country's most solidly trained classical ballet company.

This year's theme is "On Pointé" which highlights the most iconic element in a ballet performance- the pointe shoes (enables the ballerina to stand and dance daintily on her toes).

This theme is indeed fitting for BM's upcoming performances as it is also a play on the words "on point," being something excellent and perfect, the kind of shows this ballet company consistently dishes to their audience.

According to Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the decision to go with this theme is related to the company's style of training and dancing, that is the Russian Vaganova style, defining what classical ballet is - being able to dance on pointé.

I learned a lot during the Q&A with the greats. Like their preparation, ballet history, and that then ballet performances were attended by nobles and elites, and in between the much longer duration, they had breaks indulging in champagne and caviar.

Ballet Manila is set to once again capture the hearts of their audiences and showcase a production that reflects refined techniques, dignified artistry, magnificent storytelling, and a genuine passion for dancing.

The thoughtfully curated line up of 4 shows to be staged by Ballet Manila include:

1. Snow White (a restaging) - the second installment in Macuja Elizalde's Princess Trilogy. 

2. Giselle - considered one of the great romantic ballets, in two acts.

3. Sleeping Beauty - the world premiere of the last installment in Macuja Elizalde's Princess Trilogy.

4. Carmina Burana and La Traviata (A Double Bill) - this season's finale is a collaboration of opera, ballet and orchestra.

You may watch their clip here:

"When I plan a season, I first program the full-length classical ballet that we need to present every year. My teacher and mentor Tatiana Udalenkova told me that I should always have a classical warhorse every season to strengthen the company," Macuja Elizalde stated of their decision to perform Giselle.

To factor in continuity, she wanted to revisit the earlier installment of the Princess Trilogy and present Snow White before premiering Sleeping Beauty, which will be the company's Christmas production.

"I love the fact that we are opening our 24th season with Snow White because it captures the fun everyone needs to have when watching and dancing ballet. I am saving the best for last. The Princess Trilogy is going to conclude with a bang!" spoke Lisa.

"I have always wanted to choreograph to the music of my favorite opera - La Traviata - and am excited to collaborate with my long-time 'partner in crime', Ballet Manila Co-Artistic Director Osias Barroso. Rudy De Dios, recently retired principal dancer of the company,  will be making an auspicious choreographic debut in his first full-length evening work with Carmina Burana," she said.

Ballet Manila Shows schedule:

Snow White runs: September 7 2019 2 PM / 6 PM ; September 8 2019 3 PM

Giselle runs: October 19 2019 2 PM / 6 PM ; October 20 2019 3 PM 

Sleeping Beauty runs: December 7 2019 2 PM / 6 PM ; December 8 2019 3 PM

Carmina Burana and La Traviata runs: February 29 2020 2 PM / 6 PM ; March 1 2020 3 PM 

All of Ballet Manila's 24th Performance season shows shall be staged at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, please go to any Ticketworld outlet, visit ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999.

For updates, you may check out balletmanila.com.ph and facebook.com/BalletManilaOfficial.

Thank you Ballet Manila!

I remember when I was young, I was able to see stage plays, circus, but I don't think I have witnessed ballet before. As I was watching their live performance, I had goosebumps! I also can't help but be in awe at the ballerinas' talent, hard work, high level of discipline, and dedication to their craft.
I highly encourage everyone to come and delight in the spectacular performance of On Pointé, Ballet Manila Season 24! Thanks for reading! :)