Star Powerhouse

Like a pearl whose luster and sheen get better with age, Ballet Manila’s 30th year celebration reflects the graceful passage of the years, marked by a series of stellar productions featuring world-renowned ballet superstars from the US and Russia, all set to take place at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City.   Dubbed the “The Pearl Year,” Ballet Manila is opening the performance season with The Pearl Gala on March 7, 2025, at 8 PM, and on March 8 & 9, 2025, at 5 PM. A collection of the best and most exquisite performance pieces from Ballet Manila, the gala features the world premiere of “Pearls,” choreographed by none other than Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director, along with fellow award-winning choreographers Martin Lawrance and Gerardo Francisco Jr.   Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde     (L-R) Ballet Manila choreographer Martin Lawrance; principal dancers Joshua Enciso, Romeo Peralta and Junmark Sumaylo; CEO and...

  Against all odds and surpassing every expectation, Ballet Manila triumphantly celebrates its 30 th anniversary – a testament to its resilience, unwavering passion and boundless creativity. From its humble beginnings beset by skepticism and naysayers, Ballet Manila has risen to become a symbol of artistic excellence, and a beacon of hope that has inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams with passion and hard work.  Three decades of dedication and passion for excellence Reflecting on the journey, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila's CEO and artistic director, shares that Ballet Manila has built a legacy that speaks for itself and at its core are values instilled by its first artistic director, Eric V. Cruz, and her co-artistic director of many years, the late Osias Barroso Jr.  “Taking company class every day and jumping until the end of class is a must-do for everyone in the company. The rule really was no class, no rehearsal. No rehearsal, no performa...

  Responding to overwhelmingly positive reviews, Ballet Manila is set to rekindle the magic of Florante at Laura, the iconic Filipino epic poem turned ballet, with a much-anticipated restaging, this time at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, in Quezon City, from November 22 to 24, 2024. The production recently captivated audiences with its stunning choreography, evocative original music, and breathtaking dancing during its triumphant world premiere at the Aliw Theater last month. A Filipino literary masterpiece, ‘Florante at Laura,’ was written in 1838 by the Prince of Tagalog Poets, Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar. It is a narrative poem that tells the story of Florante, the Duke of Albania, who is captured by Turks. His beloved Laura is forced to marry Count Adolfo, the usurper. With the help of the warrior Aladin, Florante escapes, returns to confront Adolfo, and seeks redemption as he reunites with Laura. Under Lisa Macuja Elizalde's artistic direction, Ballet ...

 Ballet Manila once again unearths the magical baul of Lola Basyang as it transports its audience to a world of fantastic dance, music and spectacular visuals with Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang set to happen at Aliw Theater from May 11, 2024 at 8PM and May 12 &18, 2024 at 5PM. The second show among the repertoire for Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season aptly titled “Ballet Masterpieces,” Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is based on the retellings of Severino Reyes’ stories by Christine Bellen Ang.   Published by Anvil Publishing, the three stories are an engaging mix of romance, adventure and comedy, touching on such universal themes as loyalty and commitment to family, the power of humility and of course, love conquers all.    “We chose three stories out of twelve (12) Lola Basyang books.  It was an interesting process because there were so many great tales that were worth sharing. But in the end, we felt that the themes we chose can truly r...

If one fancies Ballet Manila as an ensemble, Le Corsaire (the pirate) is among the few to best showcase a whole cast with various settings, character highlights, and intricate clothing that complements the expressions. The story is about the corsairs or pirates who arrive at a land that enacts a culture where girls are purchased to entertain. Ballet Manila takes the stage to showcase talents in this performance show, Le Corsaire last February 25, 2024 (Sunday) 5PM at the Aliw Theater in Pasay, Manila.  Aliw Theater as a venue is interesting as it was built as a gift to Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, founder of Ballet Manila and Prima Ballerina, by her husband. Aliw Theater is also beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In the millennium, stand-alone theaters like Aliw Theater were a rare gem. As a form of community center, the theater brings citizens together to a dedicated purpose towards theater at a location. The theater, renovated in 2022, 20 years after its founding, can accomm...

  Ballet Manila, led by the visionary Lisa Macuja Elizalde, is poised to enthrall audiences with its 26th performance season, aptly named "Ballet Masterpieces." The season opens with the rechoreographed classic, "Le Corsaire," on February 24, 2024, at 8:00 p.m., and February 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. Macuja Elizalde's innovative take on the ballet promises a fresh perspective, emphasizing the technical brilliance of all main characters. Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang: A Collaboration with Anvil Publishing In May, Ballet Manila brings Filipino literary classics to life with "Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang." Collaborating with Anvil Publishing, the production showcases on May 11, 2024, at 8:00 p.m., and May 12 & 18, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., delve into the charming and timeless tales of renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes, retold by Christine Bellen Ang. Mitch Valdes Takes Center Stage as Lola Basyang Adding an extra la...

Ballet Manila closed its 23rd season in spectacular fashion as it recently premiered its newest double header Deux, which gracefully combined classical with contemporary ballet to the tunes of Chopin and The Beatles, at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex.

The young and the best ballet dance company in the Philippines, treat their guests as they showcase the world premier of Martin Lawrence’s Winding Road and the classical piece of Michael Fokine, Les Sylphydes(Chopiniana).  To make the ballet concert longer and more fun to watch the dance company decided to include other repertoire in the program like La Bayadere of Marius Petipa, an excerpt from Vasily Vainonen’s Flames of Paris, Albrecht’s variation from the romantic ballet Giselle, Ali’s variation from the picturesque Le Corsaire, Aramica by Augustus “Bam” Damian III, and the love story of the goddess of hunt, Diana and the hunter, Actaeon. LA BAYADERE  (The Temple Dancer) Choreography: Marius Pepita Music: Ludwig Minkus The tandem of Akari Ida (Gamzatti) and Joshua Enciso (Solor) heat up the stage with their extraordinary energy as they flawlessly performed the relaxing masterpiece. It was no surprise that Joshua would perform such level, but he exc...