DANCE MNL: Intensive Ballet

PBT’s Kim Abrogena and Crimson Guirjem perform Black Swan during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

DANCE MNL is a once in a lifetime event that has brought the three most prestigious Ballet companies of the Philippines together. From June 14-26, 2016, Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines and The Philippine Ballet theater will conduct workshops, conferences and of course performances in CCP and Aliw Theater. It’s the ultimate ballet experience for fans, students and the public in general.

from right: Hotel Jen GM Edward Kollmer, Ballet Manila Artistic Dir. Lisa Macuja, BP Artistic Dir. Paul Alexander Morales, PBT Artistic Dir Ron Jaynario and PBT Pres Sylvia Lichauco-De Leon. DANCE MNL press launch was held at Hotel Jen May 11, 2016. Dance MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival will run from June 14-20, 2016 at CCP, Aliw Theater and Star Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

The goal is to make ballet more accessible to more people. CCP VP & Artistic Dir Chris Millado proudly proclaimed, “We got a grant to mobilize at least 100 of our community who hasn’t seen anything at the CCP, or seen dance. So we’re busing in 100 new audiences.” The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a venue sponsor along with the ALIW Theater and Star Theater.

San Hao Barangay Dance troupe is a coproduction between the Fo Guang Shan Manila Foundation and Ballet Philippines to teach underprivileged kids ballet and contemporary dance. They performed for the 47th CCP Summer Dance Workshop at the CCP Main theater last May 21, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Morales provides the historical perspective of DNCE MNL, “Ballet Philippines is about 47 years old. Ballet Manila is celebrating 21^st anniversary Philippine Ballet Theatre 30 years. That’s almost a hundred years na sinusuportahan natin ang ating mga mananayaw mga gumagawa ng ating mga sayaw. When you say professional ballet dance company the dancers are working 5 days a week often 8 hours a day. Really dedicating their lives to their art. I would say a little bit of competition is healthy. But more than that it’s really the passion: The passion and the commitment of all these artists to bring this art forward and to present it to the Filipinos. I’m really grateful my co directors are so gracious and so welcoming with this idea. They’ve given so much for this to be a special event.

Ballet Manila was the highlight of the BM-NCCA INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY FESTIVAL 2015 at the Aliw Theater last April 29, 2015. The fest was supported by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Manila Broadcasting Company, Aliw Theater, Star City, and dance school and companies across the country. It is also recognized as the official NCCA Yugyugan para sa Kultura ng Bayan in the National Capital Region. Photo by Jude Bautista

Morales detailed what people can look out for, “We have three main components of Dance MNL. One is a conference and meetings towards industrialization and understanding the practice of dance in the Philippines. That will happen in two days. That will be the 21^st and 22^nd. The other aspect Lisa spoke about is the DANCE INTENSIVE, which is a two-week program you can have all the great dance teachers in Manila here. So we really encourage the young dancers to maximize that. That will happen through the whole run of the festival from the 14^th to the 26^th. Napaka raming classes, 90+ classes they can choose from. As Lisa mentioned we have a lot of our famous dancers from all the three different companies will be teaching there.”

PBT’s Anatoly Panasyukov conducted master classes in ballet. And also assisted during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

The highlight are the performances, “We have about 10 special events. There’s the WINNERS Gala which celebrates all our winners. Local and international winners we could say these are the best of Philippine dance. As you know we have our local ballet competitions here at the CCP. We also have dancers who have really excelled internationally.”

Atlanta Ballet’s Jared Tan & PBT’s Lobreza Pimentel performs Black Swan during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ballet Manila Artistic Director Lisa Macuja added, “I am very proud that Ballet Manila is one of the companies that is invited to take part in Dance Manila. I’m sure this festival is going to be a success. Because if it is a success it is something that will happen every two years. We’r really very very excited about this event.”

Hotel Jen GM Edward Kollmer and Ballet Manila Artistic Dir. Lisa Macuja. DANCE MNL press launch was held at Hotel Jen May 11, 2016. Dance MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival will run from June 14-20, 2016 at CCP, Aliw Theater and Star Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

Whether you’re a beginner or a long time ballet dancer there are a myriad of classes you can attend. Lisa said, “Ballet Manila’s participation will be in the workshops. I will be giving master classes. Osias Barroso will be giving Master Classes. All of our teachers: Jonathan Janolo, Sofia Sangco-Peralta, Anselmo Dictado, Eileen Lopez will all be giving master classes in the different levels during the first week of the festival.”

Young ballerinas performed for the 47th CCP Summer Dance Workshop at the CCP Main Theater last May 21, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Macuja gave a short run down of events, “Most of these classes will be held in Star Theater. The main performance in Aliw Theater will be Generation Next on June 26. So the idea being there will performances almost simultaneously in Aliw Theater, Star Theater the CCP Main Theater, the CCP little Theater, the Rehearsal Hall of CCP, the Little Theater lobby. There will be one performance after another.” She also made note of Ballet Manila alum Christine Roca who is now part of the Joffrey Ballet. Roca will be performing in the WINNERS CIRCLE gala, BALLET FILIPINO and the DANCE DIASPORA gala.

PBT’s Regina Magbitang & Matthew Davo perform Flames of Paris during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Macuja suggests that access pass for the classes is great value: “Festival passes, all access pass to more than 90 ballet classes available is going for P 5,000. An all access pass for all eleven performances is also going for P5,000. So if you want to attend as many classes as you want and you want to watch all the performances its P10,000. But if you think of all the other 2 week festivals all over the world its a bargain. To think that one master class in New York for example costs at least $25 just to take one master class in New York. So if you pay P5,000 about $125 for as many as 90 classes. That’s a real bargain. Even for a performance a full length GISELLE would go for at least $50 to a $100 U.S. in any big city. In the Cultural Center of the Philippines, normally it will be priced at P1,000, P1,500, P2,500 for an orchestra seat. For P5,000 you get 2 GISELLES and 3 Galas, modern dance companies and Dance Diaspora. There’s a theater in the round by the U.P. Dance Company.”

Ballet Manila’s Joan Sia & Romeo Peralta with an excerpt from GISELLE. DANCE MNL press launch was held at Hotel Jen May 11, 2016. Dance MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival will run from June 14-20, 2016 at CCP, Aliw Theater and Star Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

On top of that there are discounts noted Macuja, “The program is really diverse. The price is a bargain. We will be honoring senior citizen discount and student discounts at %50 off. The Philstage Premium Pass holders will also be honored. Sulit talaga kulang na lang RIDE all you can sa Star City!”

Paul Morales said, “Even if you look at the normal pricing this is cheaper. We decided to make this really a gesture to the community, to the public to make it as inclusive as possible. “

from right: BP artistic Dir Paul Alexander Morales & PBT Artistic Dir Ron Jaynario during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

PBT’s Kim Abrogena and Crimson Guirjem perform Black Swan during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ballet Philippines in cooperation with Philippine Ballet Theatre and Ballet Manila. Dance MNL is a biennial festival focused on uniting and celebrating the Filipino Dance community. Supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Manila Broadcasting Company this inaugural festival will feature 11 performances, a two week dance intensive and a conference gathering more than 500 dance professionals in the metropolis from June 14 to 26 at the CCP, Aliw Theater and Star Theater.

Standing from left: PBT Artistic Dir Ron Jaynario, BM Co Artistic Dir Osias Barroso, Hotel Jen GM Edward Kollmer, CCP Sponsorship & Membership Dir. Becca Jose, CCP VP & Artistic Dir Chris Millado, Seated from left: BM Artistic Dir Lisa Macuja, PBT Pres Sylvia Lichauco-De Leon and Dance MNL GM Vanini Belarmino. DANCE MNL press launch was held at Hotel Jen May 11, 2016. Dance MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival will run from June 14-20, 2016 at CCP, Aliw Theater and Star Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

For more information visit www.dancemnl.com, email info@ballet.ph , call (02) 551-1003, Like our official facebook page: www.facebook.com/Dance.MNL . To join the social media conversation use our official hashtag #dancemnl

Tuesday, June 21

The Winners’ Circle

8:00PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Dance.MNL kicks off its week of performances with a gala celebrating the numerous Filipino dance artists who have made their marks on the local and global stage. The featured artists include: Jared Tan (Atlanta Ballet), Christine Rocas (Joffrey Ballet), Candice Adea (Ballet MET), and the winners of local and international dance competitions.

PBT Artistic Dir Ron Jaynario directs and choreographs during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main Theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Wednesday, June 22

PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal)

Philippine Ballet Theatre

6:00PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

An intimate look into Philippine Ballet Theatre on the dawn of the company’s 30th anniversary.

Young ballerinas performed for the 47th CCP Summer Dance Workshop at the CCP Main Theater last May 21, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

A Wanderer in the Night of the World

UP Dance Company

8:00PM

Aliw Theater Stage

A Wanderer in the Night of the World is a dance narrative inspired by five poems of the National Artist for Literature – Nestor Vicente Madali (NVM) Gonzales choreographed by Al Bernard Garcia, Michael Barry Que, Sarah Maria Samaniego, and Gebbvelle Ray Selga.

Dance MNL GM Vanini Belarmino during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main Theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Thursday, June 23

Host

Eisa Jocson

6:00PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

HOST is a one-woman-entertainment-service-machine. Eisa Jocson’s acclaimed piece invites us to experience and reflect on feminine image formation by displaying forms of entertainment strategies associated with femininity and by exhibiting labor and body politics.

Ballet Philippines Monica Gana & Gerry Corpuz excerpting ‘2’ choreographed by Rodelson Yadao, which is a modern piece competing in the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. DANCE MNL press launch was held at Hotel Jen May 11, 2016. Dance MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival will run from June 14-20, 2016 at CCP, Aliw Theater and Star Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

Master Pieces

Ballet Philippines

8:00PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Ballet Philippines brings its highly celebrated touring repertoire back to its home stage. “Master Pieces” has been performed in the United States of America, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, China, and most recently, Korea and Indonesia. “Master Pieces” features works by George Birkadze, William Carter, Augustus ‘Bam’ Damian III, Tony Fabella, Alden Lugnasin, Paul Alexander Morales, Carlo Pacis, and BP Founder & National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes.

Friday, June 24

Body of Work

Airdance

6:00PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

Body of Work is a mixed bill featuring the wide scope of Airdance’s choreographic pool. The program features works by Ava Maureen Villanueva-Ong, Mia Cabalfin, Jed Amihan, Rhosam Prudenciado Jr., Avel Bautista, Nicole Primero, and Ernest Mandap.

Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Regina Magbitang & Ian Ocampo –JUST GIVE ME A REASON excerpt from DANCING IN ONE VOICE. DANCE MNL press launch was held at Hotel Jen May 11, 2016. Dance MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival will run from June 14-20, 2016 at CCP, Aliw Theater and Star Theater. Photo by Jude Bautista

Unearthing

Daloy Dance Company

9:00PM

Bulwagang Francisca Reyes Aquino (CCP Rehearsal Hall)

Unearthing explores how the carnal and spiritual are linked and entangled. The bodies act on impulse, unearthing body conditioning and defences, and exploring what it truly means for the performer’s body to be receptive and responsive. Movement is used as a form of attunement and way to be sensitive to a deeper inward contact. Unearthing experiments on acts of migration from the physical to more vulnerable states of being.

Unearthing by Ea Torrado and Daloy Dance Company was premiered at the 2015 Karnabal Festival: Social and Performance Innovations. Wanggo Gallaga of the Manila Bulletin writes that the piece showcases a direction for Daloy that moves “further away from the conventional idea of what contemporary dancing is expected to be. Unafraid to explore awkward shapes or deal with simplistic narratives, the Daloy Dance Company presses forward in their offering of a very different kind of contemporary dance show for the Filipino audience.” Unearthing is set to be presented in Japan this coming July for Setouchi Trienalle and Asian Performing Arts Market 2016.

Saturday, June 25

Giselle

Ballet Manila

2:00PM (Ballet Manila cast) & 8:00PM (Tribute cast for Tita Radaic)

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

One of the most beloved ballets of all time, “Giselle” tells the story of a love so strong that it transcends even death. The artists of Ballet Manila will take the stage on the matinee, while the gala features a special tribute cast put together in honor of the Philippine dance icon and co-founder of Philippine Ballet Theatre Felicitas “Tita” Radaic, featuring the special participation of Philippine Ballet Theatre and Ballet Philippines.

Dance Diaspora

6:00PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

Manila’s diverse contemporary dance companies, independent artists, and internationally based Filipino dancers come together in a program presenting a cornucopia of dance talents. The performance opens with the dance film, “Where The Light Settles”, directed by AJ Orlina.

Young ballerinas performed for the 47th CCP Summer Dance Workshop at the CCP Main Theater last May 21, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Sunday, June 26

Generation Next

2:00PM

Aliw Theater

The future of Philippine dance takes center stage in this festive program. Audiences will be treated to the performances of select dance schools from around the metro, as well as the junior dancers of Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theatre, and Ballet Manila.

PBT Artistic Dir Ron Jaynario directs and choreographs during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main Theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ballet Filipino

6:00PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Manila’s three professional ballet companies unite in a program celebrating the best of Filipino dance and choreography.

PBT’s Nika Ylagan during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main Theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

PBT’s Anatoly Panasyukov conducted master classes in ballet. And also assisted during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista

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PBT’s Regina Magbitang & Matthew Davo perform Flames of Paris during the PBT@30 (An Invitational Open Rehearsal) at the CCP Main theater last June 22, 2016. Photo by Jude Bautista