Ballet Philippines Announces Its 54th Season
Ballet Philippines' 54th Season unveils Themes, New Stories, and Dance's Power.
Photos courtesy of Ballet Philippines
May 31, 2023
This season, BALLET PHILIPPINES explores the Power of Dance and the countless ways this art form can move and transform us. Ballet Philippines’ President, Kathleen Liechtenstein shares, “Dance is a powerful human expression and is fundamentally the anchor for BP's program to entertain, educate, and inspire. This year’s theme was the fitting call as we transitioned into in-person performances and hybrid programming.”After last season’s much-awaited return to the grand stage, we endeavor to take our audiences’ experience of ballet a notch higher. She elaborates, “You can expect stronger dancing, technically improved choreography. Our aim is to highlight dancers’ skills and talents. You can also expect exciting partnerships with Solaire as well as other creative communities.”
Through the Power of Dance, we hope to inspire, uplift, awaken, and energize a new chapter in Philippine performance arts.
Power To Inspire
The season opens with the enchanting ballet, COPPELIA, in August. Based on stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann, this 1870 comic ballet tells the tale of a mad scientist enamored by his "daughter." Love conquers all in this enduring narrative that reminds us to look beyond surface beauty and embrace our perfect imperfections. Through the mesmerizing power of dance, Ballet Philippines invites audiences on a joyous journey of self-discovery and love, inspiring introspection while delivering a lighthearted and magical performance.
Power to Energize and Uplift
Across diverse cultures and faiths, Christmas is a time for celebration, gratitude, and reconnecting with loved ones. Ballet Philippines' A CHRISTMAS FAIRYTALE will become a cherished tradition, bringing families, friends, patrons, dance enthusiasts, and art lovers together during this festive season. By opening a portal to a world where tales, myths, and lore intertwine, this ballet creates a magical realm where dance serves as both language and currency. At the core of this delightful dance piece is a message that reminds us of how holidays with family are better than any fairytale.
Power to Empower and Enlighten
LIMANG DAAN, an original Filipiniana piece by Ballet Philippines, first debuted online during the pandemic. To close its 54th season, the country’s flag bearer dance company will mount a full length theater performance of this historical dance piece. Through dance, audiences will be transported through time–as far back as 500 years ago.
LIMANG DAAN tracks a journey to past cross-cultural encounters, most of which will explain the strong Spanish influence still dominant in our way of life. But more than another saga into our past, this piece celebrates the formidable women in our country, both from literature and real life. These include Doña Victorina, Maria Clara, Sisa, Grabriela Silang and Josephine Bracken. A fitting show for Women’s Month in March, LIMANG DAAN is a revelation on the cultural heritage of women in Philippine society, told through dance. It is a show that will remind us of who we are, what we’ve been through, and the lessons from the past that will guide us through the next 500 years.
Power of Dance Through the Eyes of Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director, Mikhail Martynyuk
What for you is the Power of Dance?
“It’s all about the dance force which extends to technique, style, and distinct characteristics that shows the artistic side of a person. Skill, purity of lines and positions as well as the dancer’s movements demonstrate them for the audience. The Power of Dance is like a pyramid made of style, technique, and character. These are the solid grounds that make a wonderful performance.”
What informs Ballet Philippines' decision to do Coppelia, A Christmas Fairytale, and Limang Daan for the 54th Season? How do these three shows tie in with the season's theme of Power of Dance?
“I always want to see and offer audiences a romantic comedy–filled with magic, drama and a happy ending. It’s always a good idea to see the different genres of ballet. All the productions in the 54th Season hold their own unique power, style, and technique. This ultimately rounds up the theme for the season which is Power of Dance.”
What can audiences expect from Ballet Philippines for the 54th Season?
“Audiences will meet the new rising stars from Ballet Philippines. They will also enjoy high quality and spectacular performance from the company.”
What makes Coppelia special to you? Why did you choose this piece to open the season?
“As a dancer, my first ever performance was as the lead in Coppelia. I’m well versed with the music, libretto, and technique. After my premiere, I was offered 24 invitations to perform the same role for Coppelia in Spain. With that, I brought all my learnings from my teachers, which I now want to impart to my dancers. Coppelia was the choice because of its brightness and how it symbolizes the celebration of a new season.”
How different will Ballet Philippines' version of Coppelia be this season? What will make it unique and exciting for audiences?
“It’s all about the power of dance in Coppelia. Everything is unique. We apply a different style of approach to dance in Coppelia. This version will be inspired by the original version by Petipa. I adapted my version from the original and added several Filipino elements and characters to it. Expect more technique, style and in-depth characterization.”
