The country’s flagship classical and contemporary dance company opens its 47th performance season with “Firebird and other ballets”. A mixed bill of contemporary and neo-classical works, the show features pieces by David Campos, Dwight Rodrigazo and Carlo Pacis, and an all-new “Firebird”, choreographed by George Birkadze.
Russian-born choreographer George Birkadze reimagines the Russian folk tale of “The Firebird” and brings it into a pre-Hispanic Philippine setting.
The ballet’s costumes are designed by Mark Lewis Higgins, taking inspiration from historical documents such as the Boxer Codex, and using elements such as gold, spices, and porcelain.
Renowned Spanish choreographer David Campos draws from the company’s unique strengths as he reworks “Ne Neh Ledej” for the cast. Originally performed by Barcelona-based Ballet David Campos, the piece is a witty take on neo-classical ballet.
“Moving Two” by Dwight Rodrigazo is a contemporary pas de deux originally choreographed for Jean Marc Cordero and Candice Adea after their victory at the USA International Ballet Competition in 2011.
Originally choreographed in 2010, Carlo Pacis’ “Shifting Wait” won the Gawad Buhay for Outstanding Choreography in Modern Dance. This production features an expanded version of the piece, with an added third movement, and six pairs of dancers instead of the original four.
“Firebird and other ballets” runs for one weekend: August 19, at 8pm, August 20 and 21, 2 pm and 6 pm at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to [email protected], or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003.
The productions lined up for Ballet Philippines’ 47th Season include: “Bagong Sayaw” on September 9-18 at the CCP Studio Theater, “Crisostomo Ibarra back to back with “Simoun” on October 21-23 at the CCP Main Theater, “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko” on December 2-11 at the CCP Main Theater, and a full length production of “Swan Lake”, from February 24 to March 5, at the CCP Main Theater.
