Ballet Manila, a premier ballet company in the Philippines, is set to celebrate a milestone in its storied history as it marks its 30th anniversary with an exceptional series of performances. This yearlong celebration, dubbed “The Pearl Year,” will take place at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City and promises to showcase the company’s artistic journey, marked by the passage of time and its continued excellence in the world of ballet.
The highlight of this monumental year will be the opening performance, The Pearl Gala, which will be staged on March 7, 2025, at 8 PM, and will be followed by additional shows on March 8 and 9, 2025, at 5 PM. The Pearl Gala promises to be a spectacular showcase of Ballet Manila’s rich history, featuring the world premiere of Pearls, a brand-new ballet choreographed by Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. Joining Macuja-Elizalde in the creation of this piece are acclaimed choreographers Martin Lawrance and Gerardo Francisco Jr. The gala will serve as a testament to the company’s continued growth, bringing together breathtaking choreography and world-class performances.
The 30th anniversary launch, which was recently held at the Shangri-La Mall, was part of the mall’s efforts to celebrate National Arts Month and honor Ballet Manila’s contributions to the arts. “This is a wonderful opportunity to emphasize our mission of bringing ballet to the people and people to ballet, as well as highlight ballet as a beautiful art form,” shared Macuja-Elizalde at the event.
The Pearl Gala will begin with a performance of Paquita, a ballet that was originally featured in Ballet Manila’s very first ballet concert 30 years ago. This classic piece is an ideal opening number, reflecting the company’s foundation and showcasing the strength of its corps de ballet. The performance will allow the dancers to shine in different variations and codas, reinforcing the importance of ensemble work in a ballet company’s success. The performance of Paquita is symbolic of the company’s growth, demonstrating how its dancers have developed over the years into accomplished artists, each contributing to the collective strength of Ballet Manila.
Following Paquita, the gala will feature Bloom, a contemporary ballet choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa in 2014. This piece, previously performed by esteemed American ballet companies like Cincinnati Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet, will be given a new twist by Ballet Manila. For the 30th anniversary performance, the ballet will showcase a male-dominated corps de ballet, a unique and exciting feature that highlights the diverse talents within the company.
The final piece of the Pearl Gala is Pearls, a stunning new ballet that explores the journey of a dancer through the metaphor of a pearl. Each section of the ballet represents a different type of pearl, with each dancer symbolizing a jewel that is refined and polished over years of training. The ballet will beautifully depict the process of transformation, mirroring how a dancer evolves and gains grace through dedication and perseverance. The piece will feature a mix of classical and contemporary dance styles, emphasizing Ballet Manila’s commitment to both traditional and modern ballet.
Following the Pearl Gala, Ballet Manila will continue its 30th-anniversary season with the classical masterpiece Swan Lake, to be staged from May 30 to June 1, 2025. A special matinee performance will be held on May 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM. This iconic ballet, known for its technical complexity and emotional depth, will feature principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet company artist Nathaniel Remez in the lead roles. The ballet will also see the return of Ballet Manila’s former principal dancer, Katherine Barkman, who will take on the dual roles of Odette (the White Swan) and Odile (the Black Swan). Esteban Hernandez, a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, will join Barkman as the male lead in all performances.
Swan Lake is a fitting choice for this milestone year, as it is one of the most challenging and revered ballets in the classical repertoire. With its technical demands, particularly the role of Odile, and the contrasting lyrical beauty of Odette, Swan Lake will showcase Ballet Manila’s commitment to excellence. The production will also highlight the company’s dedication to the Russian Vaganova training method, which continues to be a core aspect of its artistic foundation.
To close the 30th-anniversary season, Ballet Manila will present Don Quixote, a high-energy and vibrant ballet that promises to be a perfect finale for the Pearl Year. The production will feature the return of Mariinsky Prima Ballerina Renata Shakirova, who will perform the role of Kitri, a role that has become synonymous with Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s own ballet career. Shakirova will be joined by Joshua Enciso, who will make his debut as Basilio. Don Quixote is known for its joyful spirit and complex choreography, and this production promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Ballet Manila’s incredible 30-year journey.
With a packed and exciting performance season ahead, Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary is set to be a memorable and momentous occasion. The performances will take place at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City, and tickets can be purchased through www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information about Ballet Manila and its upcoming shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
