MANILA, Philippines—Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company proudly announces the “The Blue Moon Gala” set on September 26 – 27 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines—Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).
“The Blue Moon Gala” shall feature BP’s favorite masterworks and other acclaimed award-winning works in line with the company’s sapphire milestone.
The dances to be featured are as follows:
“Je Tu Elle” (Choreographed by Redha Benteifour; Music by Vangelis)
The dance features five sensuously sinewy assertive women. It strikes with its sensual, bravura movements. In this dance, a contemporary view of women’s sinuous strength and arrogance underneath the exterior of gentleness, women proclaim they are the stronger sex.
“Farandole” (Choreographed by George Birkadze; Music by Georges Bizet)
This neo-classical piece set to music of Bizet showcases the dancers’ athleticism and bravura with a slightly Spanish flair that echoes the Filipino’s hispantic history and tradition.
“Salome” (Choreographed by Agnes Locsin; Music by Isaac Albeniz)
This piece features guest artist Kris-Belle Paclibar as Salome, sweetheart of Elias, is left alone in her grief and passion as Elias leaves her to join the revolutionary forces against Spain. She expresses a woman’s resigned anguish over Elias’ choice of a higher love – the duty to defend one’s country so that future generations may live and even love more freely.
“Cold Song” (Choreographed by Max Luna III; Music by Klaus Nomi)
The choreographer’s tribute to Alvin Ailey, whom he danced and worked with as a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Luna is a former artistic director of Ballet Philippines.
“Bungkos Suite” (Choreographed by Alice Reyes; Music by Velarde- Obispo (Dahil Sa Iyo), Kasilag (Chitchiritchit), Kasilag-Velasco (Dandansoy), Paguio (Manang Biday), Obispo (Telebong)
A collection of traditional and popular folk songs reflecting various moods but especially highlighting the playfulness, amorousness and sense of humor of the Filipino.
“Nocturne” (Choreographed by Carlo Pacis, Music by Felix Mendelssohn)
The final duet from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” showcases the reconciliation of Titania and Oberon as imagined by Hong Kong- based Flipino choreographer, Carlo Pacis. The production won a lion’s share of awards at the 2013 Phil¬stage’s Gawad Buhay! Awards including Outstanding Modern Dance Production and Outstanding Choreography.
“R/J” (Choreographed by George Birkadze; Music by Dmitri Shostakovich)
“R/J” condenses the ubiquitous Romeo and Juliet love story in a 7-minute pas de deux, which ends right before the moment Juliet awakens from her drug-induced slumber.
“For The Gods” (Choreographed by Denisa Reyes; Music by Fabian Obispo)
Inspired by the ‘Dugso‘ folkdance from Bukidnon, this modern workTribal women celebrate the age-old rites of birth and sacrifice in this passionate affirmation of the timeless female principle of life.
“Don Quixote Grand Pas De Deux” (Music by Ludwig Minkus)
Former Ballet Philippines principal dancer Candice Adea and her partner Shen Jie, both currently soloists of Hong Kong Ballet perform one of the most challenging duets in the classical repertoire. Taken from Miguel Cervantes’ classic story about the adventures of the chivalrous Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza, the Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux is better known as the wedding celebration of Basilio and Kitri in the ballet’s third and final act.
“Songs Of The Wayfarer” (Choreographed by Norman Walker; Music by Gustav Mahler)
This is the second major work that Norman Walker created especially for the company. He drew his inspiration from the composer’s own experience as a young man, of a totally unrequited love. In his grief, he composed the bittersweet song-cycle used in the ballet. We follow the hero brooding while his love is being wed, out into the fields that bring him no comfort but only show him his love’s likeness wherever he looks. The tormented hero leaves the town in the dead of night and spends it under a linden tree, where sleep makes all well again. Critical and popular acclaim has made this work a piece de resistance in the company’s repertoire.
As a special treat for balletomanes, the repertoire for the matinee show will feature selected works of the Ballet Philippines show “Master Pieces” that will tour around the United States and Canada in October.
The works include:
“Aku” (Choreographed by Alden Lugnasin; Music by Jessie Lucas)
This is a technique piece to test man’s physical limits and possibilities in body movements. This dance was heralded at the 9th Concours International De Danse de Paris in France in December 2000. Described as different and beautiful, it showcases the dancers’ unique understanding of the contemporary Filipino dance style.
“Halik” (Choreographed by Paul Alexander Morales; Music by Jed Balsamo)
This dance excerpt from Ballet Philippines’ 41st Season production Crisostomo Ibarra, a dance retelling of a seminal novel Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) authored by Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Managing to escape prison with the help of Elias, Ibarra visits Maria Clara to give his forgiveness and to say goodbye. She tells him the truth about her real father again asking Ibarra for his forgiveness. Finally he understands. They embrace each other and kiss.
“After Whom” (Choreographed by Augustus “Bam” Damian III; Music by Jerrold Tarog)
“After Whom” is a bold showcase for BP’s dynamism and bravado. It highlights the company’s prowess in the modern, contemporary and neo-classical genres.
“Moriones” (Choreographed by Agnes Locsin)
Inspired by the Moriones Festival of Marinduque, Locsin’s Moriones was choreographed for Ballet Philippines II’s participation at the Recontres Festival Du Danse in La Baule, France. It was also a study for movement for the Guardias Civil dance for the modern ballet “Encantada”.
“Tambol At Padyak” (Choreographed by Tony Fabella; Music by Samuel Asuncion, Malek Lopez, and Pinikpikan) Set to local beats, global beats and heartbeats, this award-winning and audience-rousing work is full of youthful energy which mirrors the Filipinos’ joy of living. This showstopper, utilizing the local “bakya” (wooden slippers) to amplify its rich rhythm, has wowed adults and children, foreigners and expatriates ever since it premiered at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
“The Blue Moon Gala” will be performed at the CCP Main Theater on September 26 at 8 p.m. and September 27 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
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.
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