Against all odds and surpassing every expectation, Ballet Manila triumphantly celebrates its 30th anniversary – a testament to its resilience, unwavering passion and boundless creativity. From its humble beginnings beset by skepticism and naysayers, Ballet Manila has risen to become a symbol of artistic excellence and a beacon of hope that has inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams with passion and hard work.
Reflecting on the journey, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director, shares that Ballet Manila has built a legacy that speaks for itself and at its core are values instilled by its first artistic director, Eric V. Cruz, and her co-artistic director of many years, the late Osias Barroso Jr.
“Taking company class every day and jumping until the end of class is a must-do for everyone in the company. The rule really was no class, no rehearsal. No rehearsal, no performance. All part of the discipline needed to stay in top form to be able to dance well,” recounts Lisa.
She emphasized daily class, discipline, and prioritizing dancers’ welfare have been a cornerstone of the company’s success.
While its dancers remain to be the backbone of Ballet Manila, Lisa also acknowledges the pivotal role of technology in keeping the dance company on top of the game.
Lisa shares, “I think we would not have survived the pandemic if we didn’t have the technology to connect with other dancers and teachers through online learning.” It has also helped in recalling choreography and re-staging ballets through filming and recording rehearsals and performances.
However, she also emphasized the importance of face-to-face instruction, adding, “I still believe that face to face instruction and meeting inside the sacred walls of the studio is still the most effective way of learning as a dance student and teaching as a dance instructor.”
As Ballet Manila celebrates its 30th year, Lisa has so many reasons to be excited about. As a mentor, performer, and artistic director, she hopes to continue finding joy in her work. And it’s all set to happen with the many plans and projects already in the pipeline.
Currently, she’s hard at work for “PEARLS,” a new choreography for the Pearl Gala to celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary. Aside from this, she is also eager for her Princess Trilogy by adding a fourth Princess Ballet. She also envisions extending their Filipino series, which includes “Ibong Adarna” and “Florante at Laura,” to incorporate other literary works studied in high school and college.
She also hopes to follow up her “La Traviata” with another ballet based on an opera emphasizing that the possibilities for new creations are endless. Excitement is also building for their upcoming international and local tours in 2025, which will see Ballet Manila blockbuster ballets “Ibong Adarna” and “Cinderella” brought to various locations here and abroad.
With this rousing outlook, Ballet Manila is heading into a bright future, driven by a strong foundation and continuous innovation. With a school regularly training and feeding the company with professional dancers, a strong social media presence, local and international tours, and support from its patron Fred J. Elizalde, Ballet Manila is well-positioned for continued success.
