‘Swan Lake’, ‘Don Quixote’, ‘The Pearl Gala’ in Ballet Manila’s 30th Year
Ballet Manila dubs its 30th anniversary as “The Pearl Year,” kicking off the performance season with The Pearl Gala on March 7 at 8 PM, and on March 8 and 9 at 5 PM.
The gala features the world premiere of Pearls, choreographed by Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, alongside Martin Lawrance and Gerardo Francisco Jr.
The event opens with the classical ballet Paquita, which was first performed by Ballet Manila during its first ballet concert 30 years ago. The company will revisit it to highlight how a ballet company’s mettle, strength, and quality are measured by its corps de ballet.
Following Paquita, the gala will present Bloom, originally choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa in 2014. The piece has been performed by American companies, including Cincinnati Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet. Bloom aims to demonstrate the diversity and strength of the company in its 30th year, this time featuring a male-dominated corps de ballet—a unique feature in a ballet company.
Pearls will complete the gala, drawing parallels between the development of pearls and the journey of a dancer. The ballet is divided into six parts, with each dancer representing a different type of pearl. It emphasizes the years of training needed to achieve the grace that appears effortless—much like a pearl’s layers that gradually form into a beautiful gem. The ballet will conclude with dancers performing both classical and contemporary styles.
After the gala, Ballet Manila’s performance season continues with Swan Lake on May 30 at 8 PM, and on May 31 and June 1 at 5 PM. A special matinee on May 31 at 1:00 PM will feature Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet company artist Nathaniel Remez in the lead roles.
Guest dancers from San Francisco Ballet, including soloist Katherine Barkman (formerly a principal dancer with Ballet Manila) and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez, will also perform. Barkman will dance the dual roles of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan), alongside Hernandez as the male lead. The duo will perform in all three shows.
Ballet Manila believes that Swan Lake is a fitting choice for its 30th year, as it is one of the most challenging ballets for a prima ballerina due to the technical demands of Odile and the lyrical softness required for Odette. The production aims to showcase Ballet Manila’s continued commitment to excellence, highlighting its specialization in Russian Vaganova training.
Closing the performance season is Don Quixote, another classical ballet featuring the return of Mariinsky Prima Ballerina Renata Shakirova. The show will run on August 22 at 8 PM, and on August 23 and 24 at 5 PM.
For Macuja Elizalde, Don Quixote is an ideal way to end the season, as it has become one of the company’s signature full-length ballets. Kitri has also become Macuja Elizalde’s signature role as a ballerina, and it is also a signature role for Renata, who will be able to showcase her light, gigantic leaps, multiple and fast pirouettes, and the 32 fouettés that everyone can look forward to. Playing alongside Renata is Joshua Enciso, making his debut as Basilio.
Macuja Elizalde believes Don Quixote is a perfect finale, describing it as a two-hour, nonstop celebration. “We have a very packed and exciting performance season, and I’m excited for the audience to finally see what we have worked so hard for on our Pearl Year,” she said.
All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
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