Lisa Macuja-Elizalde takes center stage in “BM 21”

After a much-needed break, Ballet Manila Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde takes center stage in “BM 21” on March 19, 2016, 8:00 p.m. at Aliw Theater.

The concert gala ends its current performance season; as it marks a new and exciting season for Ballet Manila. With show pieces handpicked by Lisa herself, "BM 21" is a testament to the group's unrivaled discipline and versatility, being the only company in the Philippines trained in the Russian Vaganova method.

Lisa explains,  "The  ballet technique was devised by Russian dancer Agrippina Vaganova in the 1800s.  Vaganova involves the whole body in every movement, with equal attention paid to the upper body, legs and feet. This approach increases consciousness of the body, creating a harmony of movement".


“BM 21” will highlight the classical style of the female corps de ballet  with “Kingdom of the Shades", an excerpt from La Bayadere. The male dancers will unleash their contemporary and hip moves in Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's "Bloom”.   And enthralling drama unfolds as passion comes alive in Eric V. Cruz's masterpiece, "Carmen".

"'Carmen' is a ballet that I feel I can still perform well at 51. It is a role that came quite late in my career and interestingly enough I debuted in 20 years ago.”

"I programmed "BM 21" to show-off a different side of the company and at the same time highlight our Russian Vaganova training. This show will also honor our late artistic director Eric V. Cruz. “BM 21 is our way of closing our 20th season with a bang!”