Ballet Ph Presents Don Quixote Starting Feb 9 at Pintxos

Press Announcement:

Ballet Philippines takes your theater experience to the next level with Don Quixote Ballet, Pintxos y Vino, a pre-show wine and pintxos bar on select evening performances of Don Quixote. Everyone is invited to come and experience ballet and Spanish culture in one incredible night.

“Pintxos” is a Basque take on “pinchos,” or small finger foods that are “pierced” together with a cocktail stick. It is usually, but not necessarily, served with bread. Pintxos are laid out on a bar counter, where one can take cold pintxos right off the bar, or have hot pintxos heated by the barman.

To partake in this experience, simply add P500 in addition to your ballet ticket. This entitles you to Spanish wine and delectable tapas at the Main Theater Mezzanine prior to watching the ballet on the following shows:

· February 9, 2018 (Friday): Bar opens from 6:30pm to 8:00pm; Performance starts at 8:00pm

· February 7 (Saturday), 17 (Saturday), and 18 (Sunday), 2018: Bar opens from 5:30pm to 7:00pm; Performance starts at 7:00pm

This is the perfect pre-performance cocktail, especially for those celebrating the Valentine season.

Slots are limited! Buy your tickets only at Ballet Philippines. Call (2) 551-1003.

Ballet Ph's "The Exemplars: Amada and Other Dances" Takes the Stage on October 20 to 21

Press Announcement:

Ballet Philippines, reintroduces internationally acclaimed classics of the company’s vast repertoire to a newer audience.  

"The Exemplars" will showcase the company’s classic works such as Alice Reyes’ “Amada.” As one of the first pieces ever performed by the company, Amada is based on “Summer Solstice” by National Artist for Literature, Nick Joaquin. Set in Catholic, Hispanic, 19th century Manila, traditional male-dominance is shaken by the Tadtarin, a native festival in which women suddenly reign supreme shattering the established Hispanic molds and patterns. Amada premiered in Manila in 1970, with National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes herself in the titular role, and music composed by National Artist for Music Lucrecia Kasilag. It has since won critical acclaim in the Philippines and abroad, and represents the company’s work in Philippine material at its best.

Another featured work is “Valse Fantasy.” A male dancer and three ballerinas dance in a ballet dotted with leaps, turns, beats, entrances and exits. Set to Glinka’s music, Valse Fantasy is pure dancing tailored by the music’s breezy patterns and delightful rhythms. A neo-classical piece inspired by George Balanchine, it was especially staged for Ballet Philippines by Muñeca Aponte in 1974. This year, premier danseur Nonoy Froilan is restaging the ballet, as he himself danced the male role in the 1970's.

Gener Caringal’s “Ang Sultan” is a heart-breaking story about star-crossed lovers, separated by the eternal clash between classes. Set in the pre-colonial Filipino caste system, it tells the story of the consequences when a man from a lower caste falls in love with a princess—where revolt and an uprising ensue due to inequity and social injustice. Using Maguindanao/Muslim instrumentation, the music was composed by Lucrecia Kasilag. Since it’s premiere in 1973, it has become one of the most performed pieces in the company’s repertoire.

Norman Walker’s “Songs of a Wayfarer” is the story of unrequited love. We follow our hero, who is in deep sadness as his love is being wed to another, and trying to escape with everything reminding him of his love. This is a story of ultimately finding one’s self in the loneliness of life, even though surrounded by friends, there is a feeling of trying to find a purpose that fulfills the empty void. Critical and popular acclaim has made this work a piece de resistance in the company’s repertoire.

Pauline Koner’s “Concertino” is considered a major landmark in modern dance. This classic tells the story about a lady of the court and her attendants who conduct themselves in various manners from the proper to the frolicsome. In the rigidity of the high life she feels caged and seeks liberation from the tedious life. This piece was choreographed in the earlier style of American Modern Dance that has become a challenge to all who attempt this stylistically difficult piece.

This production provides a rare opportunity to shed light on the long-unseen works that established the company’s signature style and identity as an internationally and locally renowned dance company, paving the way to 48 years of artistic excellence and cultural contribution. This was made possible by patrons of the arts San Miguel Corporation, Phoenix Petroleum  and Sanicare.

Catch us! Ballet Philippines' "The Exemplars: Amada and Other Dances" will be performed in on October 20-22, 2017 at the CCP Main Theater, and October 25, 2017 at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Theater, BGC Arts Center. 

For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at (+632) 551-1003, the CCP Box Office at (+632) 832-3704, or Ticketworld at (+632) 891-9999 or Ticketworld.com.ph. 

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

Your Highness Presents Ballet in a Bold New Way

Catch a glimpse of what the world will see from our Philippine ballet dancers and Filipina International choreographer Eisa  Jocson.  Deconstructing ballet, and re-creating a new form of dancing with vocal expressions by the dancers.  Soft then hard movements, smooth flow climaxing to tension.  

Manila-based choreographer Eisa Jocson has created "YOUR HIGHNESS"--- a dance piece with five young dancers of the Ballet Philippines where the classically trained dancers masterly alternate between stylized Disney gestures and standards of ballet classics like Giselle,The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake –and explore the fine line between portrayals of happiness through ballet history and princess archetypes in a globalized entertainment industry.

The depiction of the story and message about the dancers, their dreams, and the exodus to another country is a combination of ballet grace, vocal sounds and unexpected dance disruptions.   This new fusion of dance and sound in ballet is art in a curious, exploratory, jolting form.   The silent storytelling of ballet is injected with vocal expressions that add to the mood and tension, a new way to watch a ballet.  Breaking boundaries and creating new art in dance seem to be the goal of Eisa as she disregards the rules of ballet and make her dancers speak out their feelings and frustration.  

Don't miss the world premiere of "Your Highness” on July 27 (8pm) and 28 (3pm, 8pm) at the CCP Little Theater, and will be performed at several major European performing arts festivals from August to September 2017.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at (+632) 551-1003, the CCP Box Office at (+632) 832-3704, or Ticketworld at (+632) 891-9999.

Ballet PH Spreads Its "Wings" with Swan Lake on Feb 24 to March 5

Press Update:
As a fabulous fitting finale of Ballet Philippines’ 47th season entitled “Wings”, come and watch the new staging of “Swan Lake”, the most famous and legendary ballet adored by audiences all over the world for over a hundred years. On March 4, “Swan Lake” will be celebrating the 140th anniversary of its premiere.

“Swan Lake” is set to open on February 24 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) at 8:00 PM. Other performance schedules are as follows: February 25 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM, February 26 at 3:00 PM, March 3 at 8:00 PM, March 4 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and March 5 at 3:00 PM.

This year’s “Swan Lake” boasts three extraordinary pairings for Odette/Odile and Prince Siegfried: multi-awarded guest artists Candice Adea and Joseph Phillips, BP principal dancer Denise Parungao and company member Garry Corpuz, and soloists Jemima Reyes and Victor Maguad in their first lead roles in a classical ballet.

Set to Tchaikovsky's beautiful and moving score, The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura are set to perform the music live during the gala nights on February 24, February 25, and March 3.

The February 25, 7:00 PM performance is an International Gala featuring guest stars Candice Adea (formerly of Hong Kong Ballet and BalletMet) and Joseph Phillips of the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre. Both artists have garnered multiple awards in international ballet competitions, including the Helsinki IBC, and the Jackson IBC.

“’Swan Lake’ is regarded as the summit of achievement in the theater for every major classical ballet company,” says Ballet Philippines artistic director Paul Alexander Morales. “Nowadays so many versions and interpretations of the ballet are available online, so audiences will likely have their own ideas of what ‘Swan Lake’ is and what it should be like. It is our challenge to come up with an entirely new experience of this ballet.”

Based on Germanic folk tales coupled with Russian traditions, “Swan Lake” weaves drama and dance together in an unparalleled spectacle. The ballet tells a timeless story of magic, love, and forgiveness through the ingenious choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. It centers around Odette, a princess under a curse that traps her in swan form during the day, and Prince Siegfried, an idealistic royal under pressure to find a suitable bride.

Ballet Philippines has previously staged the full-length “Swan Lake” in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1989, 1991, and 1994. The 2017 production marks the company’s 8th restaging to date. Ballerinas who have brought the dual role of Odette/Odile to life on the BP stage include the likes of Maniya Barredo, Kelly Cass, Toni Lopez Gonzalez, Valentina Kozlova, Yoko Morishita, Guo Peihui, Cecile Sicangco, Ester Rimpos, and Anna Villadolid. Notable Siegfrieds include Medhi Bahiri, Fernando Bujones, Wes Chapman, Nonoy Froilan, Serge Lavoie, Robert Medina, Brando Miranda, and Zhang Weiqiang.

“Swan Lake” is restaged by Nonoy Froilan after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Set designer Ohm David shall combine grand scale and psychological intimacy. His magnificent designs pit Edwardian splendour against the spectral beauty of the white acts. James Reyes’ dramatic costumes shall emphasize the contrast between human and spirit worlds, in shimmering fabrics and designs to create a magical setting.

From the first yearning bars of Tchaikovsky’s score, “Swan Lake” shall beckon you to another world. This timeless and enchanting tale filled with magic, manipulation, and eternal love will surely melt countless hearts, stir the soul, and send tingles down the spine. “Swan Lake” - the ultimate night at the ballet.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #swanlakeballetph

For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Madame Garachon, Margie Floirendo Perform in Alice Reyes’ Cinderella Starting Nov. 28

Press Release:

The quintessential rags to riches fairy tale as retold by National Artist Alice Reyes will be staged anew by Ballet Philippines from November 28 to December 7 at Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). This lively and humorous production will bring much laughter and romance to the holiday season.

The role of Cinderella will be played by Soloist Denise Parungao and Junior Company Member Monica Amanda Gana. This is Gana's first lead role with Ballet Philippines, while Parungao was last seen in the title role of Ballet Philippines’ “Giselle” in 2013 and 2014. Playing opposite them as Prince Charming are Principal Dancers Earl John Arisola and Richardson Yadao.

To add even more magic to this production, Madame Isabelle Garachon, wife of the French Ambassador to the Philippines and former professional dancer, will be playing the role of Cinderella's wicked stepmother, alternating with Ballet Philippines President Margie Moran Floirendo.

"What we, at Ballet Philippines, would hope for is that our re-telling of the treasured children's story of ‘Cinderella’ will fill the hearts of all in the audience with child-like joy and wonder and an early sprinkling of holiday cheer for the coming Christmas season," says Alice Reyes, who was named National Artist for Dance earlier this year. Reyes is also Ballet Philippines’ founder and Artistic Director Emeritus.

“Cinderella” will be performed at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on the following dates and times: November 28 (3PM & 8PM), November 29 (2PM & 6PM), November 30 (2PM & 6PM), December 5 (3PM & 8PM), December 6 (10AM & 6PM), and December 7 (2PM & 6PM).

The artistic and creative teams of Cinderella are led by Alice Reyes (Choreographer), Salvador Bernal⁽⁺⁾ (Set & Costume Designer), Monino Duque (Lighting Designer), Barbara Tan-Tiongco (Technical Director), Ricardo Cruz (Set Consultant), Dennis Maristany (Costume Consultant), and Victor Ursabia and Ramon Victoria (Restagers).

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook:        www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter:            @balletph

Instagram:      @balletphilippines

YouTube:         https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

The 45^th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace, love, valour and redemption under the artistic directorship of Paul Alexander Morales. This is a toast to 45 years of dance excellence!

A Dance Tribute to Philippine Hero, Apolinario Mabini, by Ballet PH

Ballet Philippines once again presents the story of Apolinario Mabini in dance form in “La Revolucion Filipina” on July 25 and 26 at the CCP.  For those of you who missed it during the 90s, now is your chance.

And because the narration will mostly be danced, you have to understand the symbolisms presented through the eyes  of re-knowned Filipina choreographer Agnes Locsin.  Below is the synopsis of the performance (Libretto by Dennis Marasigan) so you can follow the story as you experience the mood and visual treat of dance.

June 1898. Apolinario Mabini, the “sublime paralytic” of the Philippine Revolution is resting on his hammock by a roadside en route to Kawit, Cavite where Emilio Aguinaldo is set to proclaim the independence from Spain of the whole Philippine archipelago. Mabini believes that declaration to be premature. Aguinaldo disagrees. 

ACT I

Sometime in the 16th century. A tribe of lowland dwellers go on their daily lives, their bodies seeming to be influences of foreign cultures as they take on new manners and new clothes. Finally, the shadow of Spanish subjugation covers them all. Amidst all this, the figures of Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Andres Bonifacio stand out. 

1890’s. Bonifacio, Mabini, and Aguinaldo become witness to cruelties inflicted on their fellowmen by the Spaniards and by other “indios” of their time. With the inspiration of the muses of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, Bonifacio forms a secret society called the Kagalang-galangan, Kataas-taasang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, or Katipunan. Aguinaldo later joins the secret society. Mabini chooses to side with the reformists. 

With the discovery of the Katipunan, the Revolution begins. The schism among Filipino heightens. Aguinaldo is elected President of the nascent Filipino nation. Bonifacio is tried for treason and killed. Mabini blames Aguinaldo for Bonifacio’s death. The citizens become confused.

ACT II

The United States of America is drawn into war with Spain. Mabini expresses caution in dealing with the Americans. 

Aguinaldo in exile, instructs three women to sew a flag for the Filipino nation. Aided by the Americans, he returns to declare Philippine Independence. Mabini is asked to become Aguinaldo’s adviser. Mabini guides Aguinaldo in running the government of the fledging nations.

In Malolos, Aguinaldo convenes a Congress that ratifies the Declaration of Independence. The Congress proceeds to form a new Constitution, much against the wishes of Mabini. Aguinaldo is caught between his influential adviser and ilustrado-dominated Congress.  

Spain cedes the Philippines to the United States of America. The Americans who encouraged Aguinaldo show treachery and refuse to recognize the Revolutionary Government. One by one, Aguinaldo allies desert him and join the Americans. The Ilustrados blame the non-recognition of Philippine Independence on the delay in the establishment of the Republic. Aguinaldo contemplates a peaceful settlement with the Americans. Mabini resigns from the Cabinet.

Armed hostilities between the Filipinos and Americans begin. Mabini witnesses the treachery of his fellowmen and the cruelty they inflict on their fellow Filipinos. 

The Americans close in on Aguinaldo as his aides are killed or desert him. In Palanan, Aguinaldo wrongly trusted those whom he thought were dressed as Filipinos to be faithful to the Filipino cause. Aguinaldo is captured and forced to pledge allegiance to the American flag. Aguinaldo becomes witness to the continuing division among Filipinos. He is unable to take any action, paralyzed by his belief that no longer holds any lofty position. Mabini rises from his chair and accuses the present of turning its back on its past. The tribesman must shed his second skin to rediscover his own. Only then can people see what truly makes a nation one.  

For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003.  For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook:      www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter:          @balletph

Instagram:      @balletphilippines

YouTube:       https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

Ballet Philippines 45th Season Line Up

Press Update: 

Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company proudly announces its 45^th Anniversary – The Sapphire Season as it celebrates 45 years of sharing the gift of dance.

The exciting line-up of productions is as follows:

Agnes Locsin’s LA REVOLUCION FILIPINA

CCP Main Theater | July 25-27, 2014

Hailed by critics as “poignant and powerful,” Agnes Locsin’s modern dance masterpiece returns to celebrate the 150^th birth anniversary of its lead character - Apolinario Mabini, the paraplegic, ‘brains of the Katipunan’.

Winner of Outstanding Dance Production and Outstanding Choreography for Agnes Locsin at the 2008 Gawad Buhay! Awards

THE BLUE MOON SERIES

CCP Main Theater | September 19- 28, 2014

This two-week celebration and fundraising series features 3 programs in a festival celebrating the company and its works.

THE BLUE MOON GALA

CCP Main Theater | September 26-27, 2014

Favorite masterworks including Redha’s Je tu Elle, Bam Damian’s Minamahal Sinasamba and other acclaimed award-winning works and special guests celebrate the company’s sapphire milestone.

GISELLE

CCP Main Theater | September 19-21, 2014

Hailed as “the show that brought sexy back to ballet”, this sublime re-staging by premier danseur Nonoy Froilan returns in this special repeat performance of the show.

THE HOMECOMING GALA

CCP Main Theater | September 28, 2014

Ballet Philippines shares the stage with the companies, dance schools and artists who have sprung from its rich tradition of excellence.

Alice Reyes’ CINDERELLA

CCP Main Theater | November 28-30, December 5-7, 2014

This highly celebrated retelling of the quintessential rags to riches fairy tale by Ballet Philippines’ Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus, Alice Reyes, brings laughter, merriment, and romance to the holiday season.

MANHID The Pinoy Superhero Musical

by Auraeus Solito, Vincent de Jesus, Carina Evangelista, and the Eraserheads

Choreographed by Paul Alexander Morales and Alden Lugnasin

CCP Main Theater | February 20-28, March 1-8, 2015

The season ends with the return of the legendary dance rock musical MANHID, co-presented by Tanghalang Pilipino. Set in an alternate present day Philippines where the EDSA revolution failed, this musical features heroes and villains with superpowers, and a people sick with Kamanhiran (Apathy).  Celebrating a nation of heroes on the 29^th Anniversary of EDSA revolution, MANHID promises to be a must-watch event for 2015.

As a special treat, enjoy 25% savings by subscribing today to the 4-Series including La Revolucion Filipina, Blue Moon Gala, Cinderella and Manhid for Orchestra Center, Orchestra Side, Balcony 1 Center, Parterre box, Lower box and Upper box. 3-series and 2-series subscriptions are also available.

Junior subscribers (ages 4-21 years old) may avail of a 50% discount.

Founded in 1969 by Alice Reyes with the support of Eddie Elejar and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines is the country’s premier dance company and is known worldwide for its repertoire of classical and modern pieces. Its school, the CCP Dance School, continues to produce dancers of international caliber.

For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003.  For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook:      www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter:          @balletph

Instagram:      @balletphilippines

YouTube:       https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

Ballet Philippines - The 45^th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour and redemption. A toast to 45 years of dance excellence!