International Ballet Stars Shine in a Captivating Performance of Swan Lake for Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year

Ballet is an art form shaped by time and experience, and for Katherine Barkman, a First Soloist with the San Francisco Ballet, her return to Ballet Manila is both a personal tribute to her roots and a testament to her remarkable growth as an artist.

Performing the iconic dual roles of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, Katherine shares the stage with one of the world’s most celebrated ballet dancers, Esteban Hernández, a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet.

Katherine Barkman’s Homecoming: A Tribute to Her Ballet Roots

Katherine Barkman’s return to the Ballet Manila stage marks a significant moment in her career. Once a principal dancer with the company, Katherine trained under the guidance of Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director, Lisa Macuja Elizalde. After her time with Ballet Manila, Katherine’s career soared as she joined The Washington Ballet and later the prestigious San Francisco Ballet.

Now, she revisits Swan Lake, a ballet that holds deep personal meaning for her. Katherine takes on the challenging roles of both Odette (the White Swan) and Odile (the Black Swan). With years of experience, she approaches these dual roles with fearlessness and newfound depth. “With experience comes more fearlessness,” Katherine says. “I take more risks. I would rather my dancing be exciting to watch than safe and predictable.” Her mature, bold approach promises to captivate audiences.

Esteban Hernández: A Global Ballet Phenomenon

Joining Katherine on stage is Esteban Hernández, a phenomenon in the ballet world. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Esteban trained at The Royal Ballet School and quickly rose to fame for his exceptional technical brilliance and expressive storytelling. As a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, Esteban has earned worldwide acclaim, performing in cities across the globe. Filipino audiences first witnessed his artistry in 2023 when he danced as Basilio in Don Quixote.

This time, Esteban takes on the noble role of Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake. Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, praises Esteban’s artistry: “Esteban is the complete package. His performance as Basilio last year was perfect, and as Prince Siegfried, his experience, technique, and artistry will shine through.” She adds, “He and Katherine have already danced Swan Lake together, so I’m excited to see them as a principal couple again.”

A Special Partnership: Katherine and Esteban

For Katherine, performing with Esteban again is a meaningful experience. “Esteban is an amazing partner,” she shares. “He challenges and encourages me in such an honest way, which is rare in a partner. I’m thrilled that Ballet Manila gets to experience his talent in Swan Lake.” Their chemistry promises to make this performance a memorable one.

As a seasoned artist, Katherine’s understanding of technique allows her to portray the emotional depth required for her dual roles. “Technique is to be used to express emotion,” she explains. “Every step should say something. That’s what makes ballet so powerful , each movement tells a story.”

Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year: A Star-Studded Performance

For Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year, Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde has pulled out all the stops to deliver an unforgettable production of Swan Lake. In addition to Katherine and Esteban’s performances, the company will also feature two additional principal dancers. Abigail Oliveiro, a principal dancer with Ballet Manila, will take on the roles of Odette and Odile, with Nathaniel Remez, a company artist with the San Francisco Ballet, portraying Prince Siegfried.

Macuja Elizalde is particularly excited about the dynamic between Abigail and Nathaniel, noting, “Nathaniel’s partnership with Abigail is going to be extraordinary. Their height and chemistry will enhance the choreography, and I can’t wait to see how Abigail’s interpretation of Swan Lake grows with Nathaniel as her partner.”

Don’t Miss This Extraordinary Ballet Event

The stunning performances of Katherine Barkman and Esteban Hernández will take place on May 30, 2025, at 8:00 PM, May 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM, and June 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Matinee performances featuring Abigail Oliveiro and Nathaniel Remez will be held on May 31, 2025, and June 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM. All performances will be staged at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information about Ballet Manila and its upcoming shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.

Ballet Manila’s Swan Lake is a mesmerizing spectacle that combines the artistry of international ballet stars Katherine Barkman and Esteban Hernández with the rich talent of the company’s dancers. This performance is a must-see for ballet enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates world-class dance. Don’t miss the chance to experience this captivating production in honor of Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year!