WHEN one thinks of ballet in the Philippines, only one name instantly comes to mind: Lisa Macuja. The Philippine’s prima ballerina and headliner of Ballet Manila, known to have proven that the once for-posh-only ballet performances can also be appreciated by the masses.
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, trained in Russia’s Vaganova Choreographic Instute, was the first foreigner accepted to dance with the acclaimed Kirov Ballet, known to produce some of the most famous dancers in history.
It was also with Kirov that she first premiered as principle ballerina in the Nutcracker, Don Quixote, and Giselle at the historical Maryinsky Theater.
Ballet Manila, composed of 50 outstanding dancers, whose ballet style is inspired by Lisa Macuja- Elizalde’s knowledge of the reputable Russian Vaganova method, prides itself as the country’s premiere professional dancing company known to bring performances that tell moving stories with their tutus and toe shoes.
With over 2,300 local performances in 47 cities from Abra to Zamboanga; 126 foreign performances around Asia, Europe and the USA; over 1,000 appearances in corporate and special shows the Lisa together with the Ballet Manila commits itself in "bringing ballet to the people" for 15 years.
"Bringing ballet to the people is the inspiration that led to the creation of Ballet Manila, and that mission continues," Lisa professed.
This year, with the concert Halo-Halo ni Juan--The Ballet Manila Crystal Gala! Ballet Manila will perform and prove their legacy as it showcases an all-original OPM suite, new neo-classical choreographies by Bam Damian and Sergey Vikulov, and excerpts from a world classic.
The Halo-Halo production also continues Lisa’s year-long celebration of her 25 years being a professional ballerina.
"Our direction is as crystal clear as the gala we are celebrating: Preserve the classics, create new works, develop several generations of audience and dancers and always, always tell a good story—preferably on pointe—without having to say a single word," Lisa stated.
Preserving the exquisite grace and stance that only true ballerinas are known for, Lisa together with the Ballet Manila will kick off on August 20 at the Aliw Theater, CCP COmplex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. Followed by a performance on August 21,22,28 and 29 at the same venue. (AJPress)
( Published August 20, 2010 in Redcarpet Magazine p. 2 )
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