“TURNING 50 is such an auspicious birthday, and it comes at a time when I am fortunately in the extended twilight of my career,” says Lisa Macuja.

Prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde will be headlining a full classical concert for the last time as she celebrates her 50th birthday and 30th anniversary as a professional ballet dancer.

“As this will be the last time I will headline a full classical concert, I wanted this show to be extra special and kept it in the direction of presenting the purity of the classics,” Macuja-Elizalde says.

It will be a one-night only show: “Gold: Lisa Macuja—A Truly Classical Concert” will be mounted on Oct. 4 at Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

Macuja-Elizalde says the performance is her gift to herself and to the people who have supported her.

“Turning 50 is such an auspicious birthday, and it comes at a time when I am fortunately in the extended twilight of my career,” she said. “‘Gold’ is my way of expressing gratitude for a life full of blessings and a three-decade career of active dancing.”

Fitting participation

She will present classical performances such as “Sleeping Beauty Divertissement” by Marius Petipa. Kremlin Ballet principal danseur Mikhail Martynyuk will join her as Prince Desire.

MACUJA is the first ballerina from the Philippines to bring home a laureate prize—a silver medal—from the 1987 Asia-Pacific Ballet Competition in Tokyo, Japan.

Ballet Manila’s Rudy de Dios will also be in the concert. He will perform Sergey Vikulov’s “Fantasy Overture” from “Romeo and Juliet” with the prima ballerina.

Other artists who will be onstage are ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Gerard Salonga, Ballet Manila, and Philippine Madrigal Singers.

Macuja says she has always wanted to work with the Madrigal. The award-winning group turned 50 last year and its participation in Macuja’s exit show would be fitting.

“Gold: Lisa Macuja—A Truly Classical Concert” is directed by Roxan Lapus.

Mixed emotions

Macuja-Elizalde admits that stepping in another chapter of her life is a “period of mixed emotions.”

DANCING the title role in “Giselle” with Ravil Bagautdinov at the Kirov Ballet in 1986

This show is a way of expressing her gratitude for all the blessings she has received. According to her, she is very much thankful for her supportive family. She’s also thankful for still being active on the dance scene.

“As I slowly withdraw from center stage, [I am thankful] that I have a ballet company, a school, and scholarship program that I can continue to direct, support, teach in and mentor in,” she says.

“Truly, I cannot ask for anything else—except perhaps for a few more years of being able to dance. Because dancing is and will always be my first love.”

Aside from this birthday show, the highlight of Macuja-Elizalde’s 30-year career is now on a video series titled “Road to Gold.” It can be viewed on her website www.lisamacuja.com.

“Gold: Lisa Macuja—A Truly Classical Concert” is presented by Ballet Manila, Aliw Theater and Manila Broadcasting Company.

Tickets are sold at Ticketworld. Call tel. 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.