#TeatroPinas : The Philippines hosts Asian Grand Prix ballet tilt

Int’l competition marks milestone for Ballet Manila; PH now among the world’s hubs for Ballet

From being just a participant, Ballet Manila is now a co-organizer of an international ballet tilt.

The prestigious Asian Grand Prix (AGP) kicks off on an exciting note this year, with Ballet Manila proudly hosting the AGPRegionals in the Philippines. This marks the first time that preliminaries are held in Manila, putting the country in an illustrious map that includesother ballet hubs such as Seoul, Sydney, Osaka, and more.

It is a long-deserved milestone for the country. The Philippines has consistentlyparticipated in AGP, represented regularly by delegates from The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manilaand other ballet schools in the country. The company’s constant medal haul—coupled with their various efforts to advance the art—eventually proved the country’s potential as an emerging ballet hub in the region.

Lisa herself shares a rich history with AGP Founder and Chairman So HonWah, going back to when they both competed in the 1987 Asia-Pacific Ballet Competition. Lisa has been regularly involved in HonWah’s various projects for AGP since then, even becoming a part of its world-renowned jury.

“I’m so glad that the country is now being recognized as a hotbed for talent. This partnership is just the first of many steps in ourcontinuingmission to bring ballet to the people,” shares Lisa.

The Asian Grand Prix is more than just an event where world-acclaimed dancers compete; it’s a platform where the most promising young ballerinas and danseurs get recognized for their talent and dedication to the craft. Outstanding dancers gets opportunities that go beyond accolades and medals, including scholarships from renowned ballet schools around the world.

This year, the Philippine Regionals will have 75 participants in six categories; Pre-Competitive 1 to 3, Junior 1 and 2, and Senior. These dancers have come from all over the country, and they’re ready to dance their hearts out in the prestigious competition.

The rigorous two-day competition will be held on April 21-22, 2018 at the Star Theater, Pasay City. Qualifiers will compete in the finals, which will be held on August 13-17, 2018, at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in Hong Kong.

About Ballet Manila
Founded in 1995 by Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Osias Barroso, Ballet Manila is the country’s premier classical dance company. With the mission of connecting both ballet and the people, the company, which puts education at the forefront of its priorities, is well-known as the only Philippine dance company to adopt and strictly adhere to the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet style of dancing, which is well-regarded the world over as the most disciplined and technically-superior style. The company currently has 65 artists under its wing, all of whom have been trained in the Vaganova Academy style of dancing. Each artist boasts of a solid repertoire that consists of some of the most technically challenging and timeless ballet favorites.