The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company is gracing the Philippine stage once again for the benefit of Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX program, which aims to provide quality education for underserved students while also offering opportunities to grow in the fields of music, dance, and arts.
The series of shows headlines a new generation of ABT Studio Company rising stars with a special performance by Philippines’ very own acclaimed pianist, Cecile Licad. The series of shows will kick-off with a gala night on April 20th at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati.
The opening will be followed by public shows at Ayala Center Cebu and Ayala Malls Abreeza Davao on April 22nd and 23rd respectively, marking the group’s first ever showcase outside of Metro Manila. Furthermore, former ABT Principal Dancer and now Acting Artistic Director of ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, Stella Abrera, and ABT Studio Company Artistic Director, Sascha Radetsky, will host masterclasses in STEPS Dance Studio in Makati City and Ayala Center Cebu.
“It’s wonderful to see time and time again how the arts can bring many people together for a common cause. I am optimistic to meet our goal for the Filipino youth to pursue their love for the arts,” shared Sofia Zobel Elizalde, STEPS Dance Studio Founder. “We are beyond grateful for the unwavering support of American Ballet Theatre Studio Company.
This is the third fund-raiser that we are doing together and with Cecile Licad as one of our guest performers this year, it certainly raises the bar with what we can achieve,” mused Ruel Maranan, Ayala Foundation President. “We believe education can change lives. This is the reason for the CENTEX program: to provide quality education to underprivileged kids who want to pursue a career in performing arts.”
Ayala Malls’ participation is an extension of its Bravo Filipino campaign, which aims to celebrate local culture through fashion, food, crafts, and of course, performing arts. “The series of mall shows featuring ABT Studio Company and Cecile Licad is one of the campaign’s first initiatives,” elaborated Christopher Maglanoc, Ayala Malls President. “It’s the perfect start for Bravo Filipino. It clearly reflects our intention, which is to recognize exceptional Filipino talent–whether they are performers, artisans, designers, chefs, and such.”
Witness the return of the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company on a night of entertainment in support of Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX program. The series of shows are co-presented by Patek Philippe and BPI Private Wealth, sponsored by Globe, and in cooperation with Seda Hotels, Philippine Airlines, and Pearl Farm.
