Opening the year in true Ballet Manila fashion, the country’s premier classical dance company is staging one of the world’s most colorful and enduring ballet pieces—Don Quixote.
Happening on February 24 and 25, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. and on February 26,
2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Aliw Theater, Don Quixote is known in the ballet world as
one of the most technically challenging pieces ever created, with some of the
choreography raising the already high international standards when it first
premiered in 1869 at the Tsar’s Imperial Ballet of St.Petersburg. It is especially known for its compulsory quick and strong
movements, high vertical takeoffs, one arm lifts, quick fouettes, quadruple pirouettes, and Kitri’s signature move, the Plisetskaya head-kick.
Don Quixote is the closing act for Ballet Manila’s 21st performance season. Set in Spain, the story tells the tale of Don Quixote, who decides
to become a knight and embark on a journey to find Lady Dulcinea, a lover that
he has only made up in his head.The ballet places special focus on the love story between Kitri and
Basilio, a pair he encounters during his adventures. The production combines
great acrobatic feats, lively music, colorful sets and costumes, and a lot of
comedic elements. Specially for this run, Ballet Manila will bring in Kremlin
Ballet Theater star and principal danseur, Mikhail Martynyuk, to play Basilio.
“Our 21st performance season, Revenge of the Classics, has allowed us to mark so many
milestones not just for Ballet Manila, but for the country as well,” says Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO
and Artistic Director.
“Therefore, we
only find it fitting to close it with a true classic—one that’s opulent, captivatingly
elaborate, and serves as a true testament to the strength, passion, and skills
of our dancers, who are all trained in the Vaganova Academy Style of dancing.”
me to the spotlight, and Kitri is my most performed role. I’m so excited for
this production because I feel like this is me handing down the role to Ballet
Manila’s next generation of principal dancers.” Alternating for the role of
Kitri are Katherine Barkman, Pia Dames, and Dawna Mangahas, who will be
partnered by Martynyuk.
Lisa adds that the public should also watch out for
the ballet’s production elements. “We are
revamping some elements of our staging from previous ones. We are going all out
with stage designs, props, and costumes. We’re not holding back for Don
Quixote. Everyone should really watch out for it.”
Don Quixote is co-presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Star
City, and Aliw Theater. Other sponsors include ACS Manufacturing Corporation,
First United Corporation, Papa John’s Pizza, Hot Star Chicken, Oasis Paco Park
Hotel, Microtel Wyndham Hotels, Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas, City Garden Suites
Malate,Island Rose, and Philcom. Official ride partner is Grab Philippines. To
learn more about it, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or follow Ballet Manila on
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tickets are also available through all
Ticketworld outlets. Please call 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph, for
more information.
About Ballet Manila
Founded in 1995 by Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Osias
Barroso, Ballet Manila is the country’s premier classical dance company. With
the mission of connecting both ballet and the people, the company, which puts
education at the forefront of its priorities, is well-known as the only Philippine
dance company to adopt and strictly adhere to the Vaganova Academy of Russian
Ballet style of dancing, which is well-regarded the world over as the most
disciplined and technically-superior style. The company currently has 65
artists under its wing, all of whom have been trained in the Vaganova Academy
style of dancing. The company boasts of a solid repertoire that consists of
some of the most technically challenging and timeless ballet favorites.
I have a friends of mine sa manila na sya ngwowork, at nanood po sya niyan, truly magical daw and super ganda ng mga galaw, very poise kahit mabilisang galawan perfect ng mga performers..