A kingdom waits, a princess sleeps, and a curse lingers until love breaks through. This March, Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season with Sleeping Beauty, the final offering of the Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can experience Aurora’s journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and on March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. All performances will feature the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov.
Ballet Manila Concludes the Princess Trilogy with Sleeping Beauty
The stories of fairy tale princesses have been told across generations, and Ballet Manila continues this tradition through its stage productions. With Ballet Manila’s adaptation of Sleeping Beauty, the beloved tale is brought to life through dance, music, and theatrical storytelling.
Throughout the Princess Trilogy Series, Ballet Manila has presented timeless characters that represent grace, innocence, and gentleness. Through expressive choreography, elegant costumes, and classical ballet technique, the company has embodied the enduring charm of fairy tale princesses.
This season’s Sleeping Beauty holds particular significance for the company. The production will be directed and choreographed by Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde. Her creative leadership brings the trilogy to its long awaited conclusion while honoring the classic story of Princess Aurora.
For Lisa, the finale represents a joyful culmination of the trilogy’s narrative.
“What excites me in this production is how Sleeping Beauty finally completes our Princess Trilogy. It feels like all the stories we’ve been telling are coming together in one magical universe.”
Her vision for the production also introduces a unique theatrical element that connects the stories of the trilogy in an imaginative way.
She also enthused on special appearances of the other princesses in Sleeping Beauty, “In this iteration of Sleeping Beauty, Aurora will be joined by Cinderella and Snow White on stage, so it’s really fun to think about having them together in the stage”.
By bringing these iconic princesses together, Ballet Manila creates a shared fairy tale world that celebrates the characters audiences have followed throughout the series.
Ballet Manila and Manila Symphony Orchestra Celebrate a Historic Collaboration
The conclusion of the Princess Trilogy arrives at a meaningful moment for another respected institution in Philippine performing arts. The Manila Symphony Orchestra quietly marks its centennial year, highlighting a century of musical excellence and cultural contribution.
The orchestra’s participation in the production adds depth and richness to the ballet experience. Performing the original music of Tchaikovsky live allows audiences to experience the full emotional power of the classic ballet score.
Lisa expressed excitement about this collaboration and the opportunity to present the music as it was originally composed.
“It is such a delight that we are performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, playing the original music of Tchaikovsky makes it even more special and I look forward to sharing this with everyone.”
The partnership between Ballet Manila and the Manila Symphony Orchestra is rooted in years of artistic collaboration. The two organizations have worked together since 2011, strengthening the relationship between live orchestral music and classical ballet performance in the Philippines.
Manila Symphony Orchestra president Maan Hontiveros reflects on the collaboration, noting this milestone reminds us that music feeds the soul, and when joined with ballet, it creates a legacy that endures.
“Lisa has been a steadfast supporter of the orchestra, and her vision has helped bring this partnership to life in ways that honor both tradition and innovation.” said Hontiveros.
She also acknowledged the long standing support that has helped sustain the partnership between the orchestra and Ballet Manila.
“Lisa has always been in the life of Manila Symphony Orchestra. While there was a hiatus during the pandemic, it was very timely that we’re back doing a joint performance once again as we celebrate our 100th year. We’re grateful to Lisa and Fred (Elizalde) who are ever-present in our performances.”
A Celebration of Ballet, Music, and Philippine Cultural Heritage
The Princess Trilogy’s finale with Sleeping Beauty represents more than the conclusion of a ballet series. It highlights the continued collaboration between dance and live orchestral music, two art forms that have long complemented each other on the cultural stage.
Through the combination of Ballet Manila’s choreography and the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s live performance, audiences are invited to witness a production that celebrates storytelling, artistry, and tradition. The staging of Sleeping Beauty demonstrates how classical ballet continues to evolve while honoring the timeless stories that audiences love.
As Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season, the production also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of the performing arts in the Philippines. By bringing together dancers, musicians, and creative visionaries, the company continues to contribute to the country’s vibrant cultural landscape.
As the curtain falls on the Princess Trilogy, audiences will witness how ballet and orchestra together continue to shape the cultural stage of the Philippines with artistry that endures.
To keep up to date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events, visit Ballet Manila’s website at www.balletmanila.com.ph or the Ticketworld page at www.ticketworld.com.ph.
