Different classic stories will be re-lived through dancing as Ballet Manila showcases some glimpses of its art for its 26th performance season entitled “Ballet Master Pieces.”
TINGNAN: Exclusive preview ng Ballet Manila 2024 ginaganap ngayon sa Aliw Theater, Pasay City | DZRH Digital #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/aOlhFFb8Ww
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Led by Artistic Director and Ballet Manila Chief Executive Officer Liza Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila's exclusive preview was held on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Aliw Theater in Pasay City.
Macuja-Elizaldes' "Le Corsaire" was one of the three stories performed at the preview. Macuja Elizalde said creating her version of Le Corsaire was always her dream.
“I have always wanted to rework Le Corsaire. When I was dancing the role of Medora, I found her character to be a damsel in distress, waiting for Conrad to save her and getting captured twice. I wanted to change the order of the main dances in Le Corsaire as well because I always felt that there should be a build-up to the main dances,” she said.
Aside from the charm of Le Corsaire, Macuja Elizalde said all the main characters are given the chance to shine.
“For me, the main draw and importance of staging a Le Corsaire is the fact that there are many principal characters that all have their respective times to shine and show off technical and virtuosic feats as the ballet unfolds.”
Meanwhile, other exciting stories must be watched in "Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang," partnered with Anvil Publishing, intending to keep the legacy of renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes.
“The idea to create a ballet from the Anvil Publishing books of Mga Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang came about during my children's book fair,” Macuja-Elizalde recalls.
“I saw the entire collection of children's books displayed in their school library, and I bought all 12. Then I called a meeting with my artistic team. I put all 12 books on the table and told them to choose one to make into a ballet,” she furthered.
Comic singer-actress Mitch Valdes, who will be playing the role of "Lola Basyang," said she did not hesitate to accept the call for the role as acting in ballet production is new to her in her 50 years in local theater and entertainment.
Asked if she would be dancing in the play, Valdes said it was something that the audience should look forward to.
“I will ask Lisa (Macuja) if Lola Basyang can get up from her rocking chair for some choreography. Maybe up on pointe for five seconds! ”
Completing this year's performance season is "Giselle," an ethereal, romantic ballet that tackles love, tragedy, and loss.
“I think calling our 2024 performance season “Ballet Masterpieces” is spot on because of the ballets that are featured. Le Corsaire and Giselle are both full-length classical ballet masterpieces, while Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will feature three stories in one show. I love how our season will have two major classics! " the Ballet Manila chief shared.
Meanwhile, October 2024 will be the world premiere of Gerardo Francisco Jr.'s and Martin Lawrence's "Florante at Laura," which, according to the production, is one of their highlights.
Arete Season, Gerardo Francisco's "Ibong Adarna," will be performed on November 20, 2024, at Araneta Theater in Ateneo de Manila University, while Holiday Cheer Series by Liza Macuja Elizalde's "Snow White" will be in December 2024.
“We hope that by the end of our 26th performance season, the Filipino audience will re-discover and have a newfound appreciation for classical ballet as well as our vibrant Filipino culture through the shows that we have worked very hard to prepare,” Macuja-Elizalde remarked.
Ballet Manila is a classical ballet institution in the Philippines that was founded in February 1995.
Locally, the company has performed in 47 cities, holding more than 4,100 performances.
The company has done tours in Asia, Europe, and North America, where it has held more than 140 performances.
Here are the complete schedules for the upcoming performances:
All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater in Pasay City.
For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. or visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
