Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty

A beautiful princess who was cursed by an evil fairy so that she will fall on a sleep-like death after pricking her finger on a spindle of a spinning wheel,
only to be awakened after a hundred years by true love’s kiss this is the story of Sleeping Beauty which has gained worldwide popularity through narrations in various media.

Ballet Manila, the Philippines’ most solidly trained classical ballet company, brought this classic fairy tale to life at the world premiere of Sleeping Beauty featuring an original choreography by Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde. As part of the ballet company’s 24th performance season, On Pointé, this grand spectacle was also the last installment of Macuja Elizalde’s Princess Trilogy which was scheduled last January 18 and January 19 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

This Sleeping Beauty is a modern retelling of the story of Aurora, Prince Philip, and Maleficent with new elements that were conceptualized by the prima ballerina herself
with the help of Ballet Manila’s co-artistic director Osias Barroso, who is also the show’s choreography assistant and rehearsal master.

A production that reflects the company’s sophisticated talent and creativity, Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty will be different from the classic ballet by Ivan Vsevolojsky
and Marius Petipa. It explored the origins of the story and explain what urged Maleficent to cast the spell on Aurora. New characters were introduced such as
the Keeper of the Golden Plates, and the royal couples from the other installments of
the Princess Trilogy.
Moreover, Macuja Elizalde further modified the story by shortening the show and removing its divertissements. Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty truly gave a fresh and contemporary take on a story that has been around for centuries.

However, Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty was not only about new characters, interesting crossovers, and unexpected twists. With this show, Ballet Manila’s goal is to preserve traditional aspects of ballet. The production stayed true to the story’s central plot about first love, enchantment, and goodness prevailing over evil, as well as the ever-majestic music of Peter Tchaikovsky.

All in all, Sleeping Beauty showcased how Ballet Manila has always identified with the classics and the Russian Vaganova method, and manifested the company’s classical ballet abilities.

But more than a spectacular presentation, Sleeping Beauty is an apt offering to start 2020 as the company rises from the recent tragedy after its home, Aliw Theater was ravaged by fire. With Sleeping Beauty, Ballet Manila is all set to show Filipino ballet fans that they will continue to dance, beautifully, majestically.

Leading the ensemble was principal dancer Jasmine Pia Dames who took on the role of Aurora, while her fellow principal dancer Romeo Peralta was her love interest, Prince Phillip. Other cast members included Mark Sumaylo, Rissa May Camaclang, Joan Sia, Gerardo Francisco, Rafael Perez, Alvin Dictado, Shaira Comeros, and Emma Hanb.

Ballet Manila will soon close its season. Classical ballet, opera, and orchestral music come together in a powerful performance of art at its finest. Visit https://www.facebook.com/BalletManilaOfficial/ for more details.