The Ballet Manila Archives is the repository of documents, print, photographic, audio and video materials and memorabilia relating to the history of Ballet Manila and the life and career of its founder, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. This site is powered by Ms. Elizalde and Project Art, Inc.
As the nation observes All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2), the Ballet Manila Archives shares examples of the company finding that delicate combination of strength, grace and emotion in depicting the loss of life through dance.
“He wasn’t solely focused on doing the steps; he was dancing.”
Since Ballet Manila premiered it in 2017, this ballerina and her prince in real life have portrayed the Evil Queen and the Huntsman, respectively, several times that they never expected to be cast as the fairy tale’s lead characters.
The trip was an eye-opener for Germaine, to be able to see and experience a new country but more importantly, to immerse in different aspects of dance.
Dance is a language beyond words, expressing that for which we have no words.
“To see my peers who are like me, and how they are striving for these things pushes me to strive for these things as well.”
Since their roles were originally choreographed for Joshua Enciso and Abigail Oliveiro, Rafael and Shamira were admittedly pressured by the idea that they wouldn’t be able meet the gold standard set by the two principal dancers.
In 1996, Ballet Manila invited the Krasnoyarsk Ballet to the Philippines for a series of full-length productions
In this lookback, we present the ways Ballet Manila has made a point – literally and figuratively – with swords. Ready, set, on guard!
Choreographed by BM’s co-artistic associate Gerardo Francisco Jr. and guest choreographer Martin Lawrance to the original music of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, it returned to the Aliw Theater this weekend, offering a visual feast with the masterful storytelling.
Turning 61 on October 3, Macuja Elizalde reflected on how relying on those same values can shape anyone’s journey.
The first ballet adaptation of Francisco Balagtas’ epic poem, using a libretto written by Dr. Michael Coroza, Florante at Laura was described by a critic as “a moving experience rich in cultural wisdom and literary depth” shortly after its debut in 2024.
Just three years old in 1998, Ballet Manila had become the busiest ballet company around, with its leaders not even realizing it.
It's a hard life... but if I could, I would do it all again.
Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Abrera Ponce attended the successful opening night on September 5, and was welcomed by Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Alfren Salgado.
