Celebrate 30 Years of Excellence: Ballet Manila Unveils Its Best and Most Exquisite Performance Pieces
Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary, aptly dubbed "The Pearl Year," promises to be a celebration of grace, brilliance, and artistry, much like a pearl whose luster deepens with age.
This monumental milestone will be marked by a series of extraordinary productions, featuring world-class ballet superstars from the US and Russia. The performances will take place at the iconic Aliw Theater in Pasay City, adding to the magic of Ballet Manila’s landmark year.
The Pearl Gala: A Showcase of Excellence
The season kicks off with The Pearl Gala on March 7, 2025, at 8 PM, followed by shows on March 8 and 9, 2025, at 5 PM. The gala will feature a stunning collection of the company’s most exquisite performances, including the world premiere of Pearls, choreographed by Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. Alongside Macuja-Elizalde, award-winning choreographers Martin Lawrance and Gerardo Francisco Jr. will contribute their talents to this breathtaking production.
The Pearl Gala will open with the timeless Paquita, a ballet performed during Ballet Manila’s first concert 30 years ago. This classical piece will highlight the strength and skill of the corps de ballet, emphasizing the power of ensemble work in ballet, rather than solely focusing on soloists. The production will also feature beautiful variations and codas for the ballerinas, allowing them to showcase their individual talents.
Following Paquita, the gala will present Bloom, originally choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa in 2014. This vibrant and dynamic ballet, performed by several American companies, will feature a male-dominated corps de ballet—a unique and exciting aspect for a ballet company. Bloom will display the versatility and power of Ballet Manila’s dancers in its 30th year.
The highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Pearls, which will encapsulate the growth of both the pearl and the dancer. Through six distinct parts, this ballet will symbolize the evolution of a dancer as they go through years of training, ultimately embodying the effortless grace that comes with experience. The ballet will feature a mix of classical and contemporary styles, reflecting Ballet Manila’s rich legacy and innovative future.
A Season of Iconic Ballets
Following the Pearl Gala, Ballet Manila’s performance season continues with Swan Lake, one of the most challenging and beloved classical ballets. Performances will take place on May 30, 2025, at 8 PM, and May 31 and June 1, 2025, at 5 PM. A special matinee on May 31 at 1:00 PM will feature Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet company artist Nathaniel Remez in the leading roles.
In addition to Oliveiro and Remez, guest dancers from San Francisco Ballet will grace the stage. Katherine Barkman, a former principal dancer with Ballet Manila, will perform the dual roles of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan), while Esteban Hernandez, also a principal dancer from San Francisco Ballet, will portray the male lead. The presence of these guest stars will add further prestige to Swan Lake, a ballet renowned for its technical demands and artistic beauty.
Closing with a Bang: Don Quixote
The season will conclude with a grand production of Don Quixote, featuring the return of Mariinsky Prima Ballerina Renata Shakirova. For Macuja-Elizalde, Don Quixote is the perfect way to close the season. This ballet has become a signature work for the company and one that showcases the dynamic energy of the dancers. Shakirova’s performance as Kitri promises to captivate audiences with her light leaps, rapid pirouettes, and stunning 32 fouetté turns. Shakirova will be joined by Joshua Enciso, making his debut as Basilio.
Macuja-Elizalde notes that Don Quixote is a nonstop celebration, with its joyful energy perfectly capturing the spirit of Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary. "We have a very packed and exciting performance season, and I’m excited for the audience to finally see what we have worked so hard for on our Pearl Year," she said.
Ticket Information and Upcoming Shows
All performances will be staged at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City. Tickets for the events can be purchased through TicketWorld. For more information about Ballet Manila and its upcoming shows, visit Ballet Manila’s official website.
Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary is a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to excellence in ballet. With a stellar lineup of performances and a vision for the future, the Pearl Year is shaping up to be a memorable celebration of artistic achievement and innovation.
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