Prima

  Ballet Manila opens new performance season

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

After its highly-successful Pearl Anniversary, Ballet Manila opens a new season with three exciting restaging of the classics. Simply dubbed “Prima,” the 31st season features curated picks by prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

“Classical ballet is the most difficult form of dance. You can’t disguise mistakes in the choreography. Honestly, modern ballet is not my comfort zone. But, since I’m not performing, modern choreography is in,” quipped Ballet Manila president, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

The new performance season begins with Sleeping Beauty, in a collaboration with the Manila Symphonic Orchestra (MSO) that’s currently celebrating their centenary. The show dates run from Mar 13 to Mar 15.

“I also do movement with my baton to elicit emotion. But ballet is more profound. Movement to music without words pierces the soul more deeply,” observed MSO conductor, Maestro Marlon Chen.

The season commences with the full length presentation of the emotionally-charged production,“Paquita,” that will run from June 19 to June 21.

And finally, the season ends with “La Bayadere,” that will run from Aug 14 to Aug 16. “La Bayadere is one of the most difficult ballet to perform by a female corps ballet, featuring the dexterity of 32 ladies doing both classical and modern routines,” added Macuja-Elizalde.

Ballet Manila is inviting patrons to enjoy the special subcription package of Php 6,000 for all three shows. For inquiries, simply visit the company Web site through www.balletmanila.com.ph.