‘Pink Pearls’ features Nanami Hasegawa, Rafael Perez and Shamira Drapete.
Photo by Ericka Jacinto
Carlo Orosa - The Philippine Star
March 9, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Ballet Manila’s “Pearl Gala” was more than a performance. It was a tribute to three decades of artistry, discipline and evolution.
Celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary, the performance showcased a well-curated repertoire that honored its classical foundations while embracing contemporary innovation.
As prima ballerina and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde eloquently stated in her speech, the gala was structured as a retrospective, reflecting on the past, embracing the present and envisioning the future.
The evening opened with “Paquita,” a dazzling display of classical ballet. Restaged by Tatiana Udalenkova, the 19th-century masterpiece reaffirmed Ballet Manila’s commitment to the Vaganova method, which has shaped its dancers’ impeccable technique.
The corps de ballet moved in unison with remarkable precision, while soloists delivered breathtaking variations with strength and grace. It was a masterclass in classical form, proving that Ballet Manila remains a powerhouse of technical excellence.
From the purity of classicism, the program transitioned to the contemporary with “Bloom,” choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Created originally for Ballet Manila’s 20th anniversary, the piece has since gained international recognition.
Inspired by an Indonesian flower ritual, “Bloom” pulsed with raw energy and controlled sensuality. The male dancers commanded the stage with electrifying athleticism, providing a striking contrast to “Paquita”’s refined elegance.
Set to Philip Glass’ “Violin Concerto,” the choreography was both fluid and explosive, capturing the essence of modern ballet’s emotional depth and power.
The final act, “Pearls,” was the highlight of the evening — a deeply personal and meaningful piece choreographed by Lisa, with the “Black Pearl” duets choreographed by Martin Lawrance.
The world premiere served as a metaphor for the company’s evolution. Just as a pearl is formed through layers over time, so too is a ballet dancer, shaped by years of training and experience.
The ballet unfolded in sections: “White Pearls” showcased a crisp, classical corps de ballet; “Pink Pearls” featured impressive technical displays from the company’s male dancers; and “Gold Pearls” brought 10 couples together in a grand finale symbolizing the culmination of artistic mastery.
Throughout, the “Black Pearl” couple wove in and out, representing Ballet Manila’s journey from classical tradition to contemporary exploration.
What made “Pearl Gala” particularly captivating was how every dancer — whether a soloist or part of the ensemble — had a moment to shine. Even within group performances, individual artistry stood out, a testament to the company’s rigorous training and commitment to excellence. Before the second half, a special presentation provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the intense rehearsals and discipline required of a professional ballet dancer. The insight reinforced the idea that ballet is not just a performance art but a lifelong dedication, where every movement is the result of years of relentless practice.
Beyond a celebration of its history, the gala was also a declaration of Ballet Manila’s future. The company has mastered the balance of honoring tradition while forging ahead with innovation. Its upcoming productions — “Swan Lake,” “Don Quixote” and a revival of the Filipino ballet “Florante at Laura” — reflect the dual commitment to classical masterpieces and original works that champion local narratives.
Under Lisa’s leadership, Ballet Manila continues to push the boundaries of Filipino ballet, ensuring its relevance on both national and global stages.
A particularly emotional moment of the evening was the tribute to Ballet Manila’s late co-artistic director, Osias Barroso Jr., as well as founding members Eric Cruz and Sandra Lynn Huang. Their absence was deeply felt, yet their influence remains embedded in the company’s DNA. The gala was as much about honoring their contributions as it was about looking ahead to new artistic milestones.
“Pearl Gala” was a triumph — not just in its execution but in its message. It underscored the importance of ballet companies like Ballet Manila, which uphold the highest standards of training while continually evolving with the times.
In an era when the performing arts face numerous challenges, companies like this deserve unwavering support. The talent and dedication of Filipino ballet dancers are undeniable, and with Lisa at the helm, their future is bright.
Ballet Manila has proven time and again that excellence in dance requires more than just talent — it demands discipline, resilience and an unyielding passion for the art. In its 30th year, the company continues to push boundaries, making ballet not just an elite art form but an experience that resonates deeply with audiences.
The “Pearl Gala” was not just a milestone event — it was a reaffirmation of Ballet Manila’s place in the world of dance, a promise of even greater things to come.
