Ballet Manila will open its 19th performance season starting August, with a repertoire consisting of classics and new works.
Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila artistic director, said that while the company is known for classical ballet presentations, it also wants to introduce contemporary pieces by in-house and international choreographers.
She explained “traditional favorites (are) the foundation of Ballet Manila and (they’re) what our audience will look for.” But BM likewise wants to show its versatility “by highlighting a range of new pieces,” she added.
BM will kick off its 19th season with a celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), dubbed “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika: An OPM Festival.” Gala night is on Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. at Aliw Theater, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex, Pasay City. Other performances are on Aug. 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31.
The first part of the program features the Luzviminda ballet suite, composed of three pieces representing the country’s major island groups, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The second part is billed “TLC (True Love Conversations),” with vignettes exploring love and relationships, created by BM choreographers Gerardo Francisco, Francis Jaena, Jonathan Janolo and Michael Divinagracia. Based on the popular radio series aired on 90.7 Love Radio, “TLC” will also feature its host, Papa Jack.
On Oct. 10, 11 and 12, BM will mount “Two!”—featuring a a notable pair in British dance, Jonathan Watkins and Martin Lawrance, who have created new works especially for Ballet Manila.
BM will then bring back “Swan Lake” on Nov. 14, 15 and 16, with Maxim Chaschegorov and Katherina Markowskaj of the Bavarian State Ballet as guest artists. In this gripping tale, Prince Siegfried falls in love with a bewitched princess, Odette, who turns into a swan by day. The prince pledges eternal fidelity to her but mistakenly proposes to another woman, Odile, when evil sorcerer Rothbart casts a spell.
For Christmas, BM will stage “Nutkraker: Pasko Na Naman Muli.” Slated Nov. 28, 29 and 30 and Dec. 5, 6 and 7, the production features excerpts from the international ballet favorite, The Nutcracker, and from local holiday-themed numbers.
BM will wrap up its 19th season with “BM 2.0: Ballet Manila’s 20th Anniversary Concert,” on Feb. 20, 21 and 22, 2015.
The retrospective will be composed of classical fare, original modern choreography and excerpts from Filipino productions that have become the company’s trademarks.
The show will also premiere the work of Colombo-Belgian guest choreographer Anabelle Lopez Ochoa, especially made for the company.
Ballet Manila’s 19th performance season is co-presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Aliw Theater, Star City and BPI Express Credit.
For tickets and other inquiries, contact BM, tel. 5255967 or 4000292. E-mail info@balletmanila.com.ph or visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
Call Ticketworld at tel. 8919999 or e-mail ticketworld.com.ph.
There’s a season subscription promotion for BPI credit cardholders via Ticketworld.