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.
For this significant commemoration, we show the varied portrayals of the workforce that have been seen on the Ballet Manila stage.
As the world celebrates International Dance Day, we reflect on the words of Crystal Pite who penned this year’s message.
Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out.
Rissa May “Ris” Camaclang is one ballerina who can say that she’s spent half her lifetime being a professional dancer.
The International Dance Day Festival opens on April 22, with the Ballet Gala slated on April 25, Saturday, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater of Circuit Makati.
What’s a leading lady without her girl best friend by her side?
“I can’t believe that it has already been 10 years,” muses the ballerina.
In the Philippines, in 1993, the fourth week of April was also designated by President Fidel V. Ramos as National Dance Week.
Reacting to a story about Shamira’s promotion, Lisa Macuja Elizalde commented of the ballerina: “Beautiful expressive and academic technique. Strong and true! What an artist you will become, Shamira!”
Dance uplifts the body above the earth into the heavenlies. Dance bound up with faith is a testimony to the living grace of God.
In this video, Lisa is seen putting together the choreography during Paquita’s first rehearsal. Joining her are principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro, Mark Sumaylo and Romeo Peralta Jr.
“It really shows how tough our industry is and passion and love for the art is really what pushes you to keep dancing.”
The lowly broom was a favorite prop in La Fille Mal Gardee, Cinderella and Snow White, figuring in scenes that drew much laughter in between the romance.
Dance is so important in the world, it needs no language. Our bodies speak a language of its own.
To cap its 20th season in March 2016, and in anticipation of the next to come, Ballet Manila put together BM 21: A Ballet Concert.
Shamira Drapete was visibly stunned when Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde announced her promotion from company member to soloist.
Having been born lean and growing up exposed to all sorts of sports, John Ralp Balagot never faced difficulties in managing his weight.
