Like a pearl that becomes more radiant over time, Ballet Manila’s 30th-anniversary celebration shines with elegance and mastery. This milestone season, dubbed "The Pearl Year," features a spectacular lineup of performances starring world-class ballet superstars from the United States and Russia. Set at the iconic Aliw Theater in Pasay City, this grand celebration reaffirms Ballet Manila’s commitment to excellence in classical and contemporary ballet.
The Pearl Gala: A Glittering Tribute to Three Decades of Excellence
Kicking off the season is The Pearl Gala, an extraordinary showcase of Ballet Manila’s finest works. Happening on March 7, 2025, at 8 PM, and March 8 & 9, 2025, at 5 PM, this special event will feature the world premiere of Pearls, a mesmerizing new piece choreographed by Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, alongside acclaimed choreographers Martin Lawrance and Gerardo Francisco Jr.
Announced at the 30th-anniversary launch at Shangri-La Mall, the gala highlights Ballet Manila’s mission of "bringing ballet to the people and people to ballet." With support from Shangri-La Mall in celebration of National Arts Month, this milestone event promises an unforgettable experience for ballet enthusiasts and first-time viewers alike.
A Dazzling Lineup of World-Class Ballet Performances
“Paquita” – Honoring Ballet Manila’s Legacy
The Pearl Gala opens with Paquita, a ballet first performed by Ballet Manila during its inaugural concert 30 years ago. This classical masterpiece underscores the strength of a ballet company’s corps de ballet, proving that true excellence extends beyond soloists and principal dancers. Expect stunning variations and dazzling codas that put the spotlight on the company’s unwavering dedication to artistry and technique.
“Bloom” – A Modern Take on Ballet
Following Paquita is Bloom, originally choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa in 2014 and performed by prestigious companies such as Cincinnati Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet. For its 30th year, Ballet Manila presents Bloom with a unique twist—a male-dominated corps de ballet, showcasing the diversity and strength of the company.
“Pearls” – A Ballet of Growth and Transformation
The gala culminates with Pearls, a breathtaking production symbolizing the evolution of a dancer, much like a pearl that forms through time and layers. Divided into six parts, each section represents a different kind of pearl, with dancers embodying the journey of perseverance and refinement that transforms them into radiant artists. The finale will blend classical and contemporary ballet, a fitting tribute to Ballet Manila’s rich artistic heritage.
Continuing the Celebration: A Season of Masterpieces
Beyond The Pearl Gala, Ballet Manila’s performance season continues with two legendary full-length ballets:
“Swan Lake” – A Timeless Classic with International Stars
Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, at 8 PM, and May 31 & June 1, 2025, at 5 PM, as Ballet Manila brings to life one of ballet’s most iconic productions, Swan Lake. A special matinee on May 31 at 1 PM will feature Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet company artist Nathaniel Remez in the lead roles.
Adding to the grandeur, guest artists from San Francisco Ballet—soloist Katherine Barkman (a former Ballet Manila principal dancer) and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez—will take the stage. Barkman will perform the challenging dual roles of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan), alongside Hernandez as Prince Siegfried. The duo will grace all three shows, delivering a world-class performance that ballet aficionados won’t want to miss.
“Don Quixote” – A Grand Finale with Ballet Royalty
Closing the season on a high note is Don Quixote, featuring the triumphant return of Mariinsky Prima Ballerina Renata Shakirova. As one of Ballet Manila’s signature productions, this high-energy ballet is a perfect way to conclude the Pearl Year. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, known for her legendary portrayal of Kitri, expresses excitement over Shakirova’s performance, where she will dazzle audiences with light, gigantic leaps, rapid pirouettes, and the famous 32 fouettés.
Sharing the stage with Shakirova is Joshua Enciso, making his debut as Basilio. Don Quixote is a ballet that feels like a two-hour nonstop celebration, making it the ultimate grand finale for this historic season.
Be Part of Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year Celebration!
Every performance this season will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. Secure your seats now and witness ballet at its finest!
For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph
For more information, check out www.balletmanila.com.ph