Ballet Manila's powerful 'Rise'

 

‘Rise!’ is a double bill that features ‘Ballet & Ballads’ and ‘La Traviata’

Ballet Manila returns to live performance at the newly renovated Aliw Theater with "Rise!" a double bill that features a pop program "Ballet & Ballads" and a retelling of the opera "La Traviata" in ballet as choreographed by Lisa Macuja Elizalde.

While the moving performance of Ballet Manila is the centerpiece of the show, Rise! also features the highly respected Maestro Gerard Salonga as musical director and conductor; one of the country's best female vocalists, Bituin Escalate; and award winning opera singer Jade Riccio.

Supporting these prominent artists is a powerhouse creative team, led by prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde as overall artistic director, theater artist Michael Williams as the stage director, playwright Luna Inocian as the scriptwriter and Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance as choreographers. There is also a 12 person opera ensemble and a 60-piece bespoke orchestra handpicked by Salonga himself.

Rise! Will be staged on October 7 at 8 p.m. and on October 9 at 5 p.m. at the Aliw Theater.

Tickets are available exclusively through Ticketworld. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 8891-9999.

Ballet Manila sets sail on a pirate adventure with 'Le Corsaire'

By: Anjie Ureta, ABS CBN

The Pasha and his Odalisques are among the many colorful characters in 'Le Corsaire.' Handout

MANILA -- For its 23rd performance season, Ballet Manila brings back one of the world’s most breathtaking ballet productions, "Le Corsaire," which goes onstage for one weekend only – at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 20, and at 3 p.m. on October 21 at the Aliw Theater.

“Amongst ourselves, we often joke about 'Le Corsaire' being a ‘full-length pirate adventure on pointes’ simply because that is exactly what it is — the thrilling escapade of a dashing pirate whose romance with a beautiful harem girl unfolds amidst a backdrop of sword fights and shipwrecks, abduction and conspiracy, passion and betrayal -- all highlighted by an impressive array of some the most dazzling choreographic centerpieces ever assembled in a full-length production,” BM artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde says.

Macuja-Elizalde reveals that it has been five years since Ballet Manila last staged "Le Corsaire" because of its highly challenging production and artistic demands. 

But they also found it to be the perfect ballet to showcase two prize-winning jewels in the BM crown: Katherine Barkman, who recently won back-to-back silver medals from two of the world’s most prestigious international ballet competitions, the USA IBC in Jackson and the Varna IBC in Bulgaria; and Nicole Barroso, who made it to the finals of the USA IBC and came home with a Jury Encouragement Award.

Katherine Barkman debuts as Medora partnered by Joseph Phillips as the pirate Conrad. Handout

The opening gala of "Le Corsaire" will also serve as the farewell performance Barkman, who has recently signed up with The Washington Ballet, following a personal invitation from the company’s artistic director, Julie Kent. 

The 21-year-old American ballerina moved to the Philippines in 2015 to join Ballet Manila as the company’s youngest principal dancer. Under the guidance of Macuja-Elizalde herself, Barkman has since performed every major female role in the classical ballet repertoire, closing the loop with her upcoming debut as Medora.

“We will miss her terribly but we know that she has made the right decision, moving forward and opening herself to new adventures that can only enrich and embolden her as a dancer and as a person. We are happy to have been part of her artistic journey and would like to send her off with our very best wishes. We are extremely proud of her. She will always be part of the BM family,”
Macuja-Elizalde says.

For the Saturday gala, Barkman will be dancing with guest principal Joseph Phillips as Conrad. Newly promoted soloist Barroso makes her debut as Gulnara, joining the all-star cast that includes BM principals Gerard Francisco as Ali, Elpidio Magat as Lankadem, and Romeo Peralta as Birbanto.

Gerardo Franciso reprises his award-winning role as Ali. Handout

Meanwhile, an equally stellar line-up awaits Sunday matinee audiences, led by principals Abigail Oliveiro (Medora) and Rudy de Dios (Lankadem), with soloists Mark Sumaylo (Conrad), Pia Dames (Gulnara), and Rudolph Capongcol (Ali), and company artists Godwin Merano (Birbanto) and John de Dios (Ali).

“One unique attribute of 'Le Corsaire' is that allows many more dancers to shine and to familiarize themselves with this incredibly difficult, yet exhilarating two-hour spectacle,” explains Macuja-Elizalde. 

“While the storyline is pretty straightforward, it is actually a highly demanding ballet where the principal characters are challenged to display pyrotechnics at every turn. They share the limelight in several grand pas de deux, pas de trois, and extremely demanding solo variations. Moreover, it’s one of the few male-centered ballets that provide danseurs ample opportunity to show off their technique and strength in fierce choreographic duels onstage!”

Stars in Ballet Manila's New Season

Lisa Macuja's singer sister stars in Ballet Manila's new season

By Ma. Glaiza Lee (philstar.com)

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Ballet Manila proudly announces the stellar line up of ballet productions for its 22nd ballet season set to open this August at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City.

MANILA, Philippines — Ballet Manila (BM) proudly announces the stellar line up of ballet productions for its 22nd ballet season set to open this August at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City.

Dubbed “Flights of Fantasy,” this year's season will debut two all-original productions, which BM artistic director and prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has been working on with internationally-known dancers, musicians and production designers.

“Ibong Adarna,” one of the two original productions, will open its ballet season. It will premiere on August 26, at 6 p.m., with regular show on September 2, at 6 p.m., and matinee shows on August 27 and September 3, at 3 p.m.

Choreographed by Gerardo Francisco, one of the company's principal dancers, this production brings to life Balagtas' classic tale about a mystical bird who can heal in a modern re-telling. Through production techniques, flying sequences and impressive routines, the ballet company will take its audience to the Kingdom of Berbanya, where they will weave timeless themes of family, loyalty, love and courage.

Gia Macuja Atchison, a West End actress and sister of Lisa Macuja, lends her soulful voice as the singing Ibong Adarna to showcase the wonderful music by Diwa de Leon. Angela Blardony Ureta created the script for the production, while make It Happen Workshop takes care of the set and costume design.

After the Ibong Adarna has taken flight, Odette and Odile from "Swan Lake" will give us some dose of romance. One of the world's most enduring classical ballets, "Swan Lake" will go on stage on October 7 and 14, at 6 p.m., and on October 8 and 15, at 3 p.m.

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"Swan Lake" tells the story of an enchanted princess who is cursed to spend her days as a swan unless someone - a prince - who has never loved before swears to love her forever. An evil spirit throws an obstacle in her way through her daughter who, by magic, resembles the cursed princess.

“'Swan Lake' is the ultimate test for a classical ballerina. To dance the dual roles of Odette and Odile is one of the most difficult roles to do because you need to be vulnerable and lyrical as the white swan, and sharp and steely as the black swan,” enthused Lisa.

When planning for the company's upcoming seasons, Lisa is committed to have at least one classical ballet in their repertoire to uphold its Vaganova Academy roots. 

“Ballet Manila has always been known as a company that strictly adheres to the Vaganova technique and Russian style of dancing. That's something that we've always stressed out by staging classical ballets that highlight our technique's strength,” shared the country's prima ballerina. 

BM's "Swan Lake" production will follow the original Lev Ivanov choreography for the white acts. It will feature the music from master composer Peter Tchaikovsky, which will be performed by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov of the Russia's Marinsky Theater. Miguel Faustmann will design set, while fashion designer Michael Miguel will create the new costume.

Hoping to make the holiday season more magical and fantastical, Ballet Manila will stage "Snow White" on November 25, at 6 p.m. Other show dates are December 2, at 6 p.m., and on November 26 and December 3, at 3 p.m.

This holiday offering will be the second full-length production that Lisa will choreograph. The first one was "Cinderella," which was shown at last year's season.

“We are making 'Snow White' a more magical experience for everybody. We are working hard to make sure that our version leaves a mark that will make the holidays more memorable and spectacular,” said Lisa, who did not want to reveal much except that this production will be loosely based on the Grimm tale, with elements from the Disney version of the fairy tale.

Closing the ballet season will be another installment of the popular "Ballets & Ballads." While the ballet company continues to stick to its classical ballet roots, Lisa understands the need to up their game by combining classical and contemporary.

Featuring an expertly curated repertoire of classics and modern music to be performed by balladeer Christian Bautista and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, "Ballets & Ballads" will be the ultimate romantic treat for the love month.

This culminating production will also premiere British choreographer Martin Lawrance's "Aria," which will feature five of his personal favorite arias from the operas by Bizet, Puccini and Verdi.

Catch "Ballets & Ballads" on February 10 and 17, 2018, at 6 p.m., and February 11 and 18, 2018, at 3 p.m.