Look: Jor-El Espina Does Ballet Philippines' Costume for Ang Panaginip

Jor-El Espina brings his signature fusion of tradition and innovation to Ballet Philippines' Ang Panaginip, crafting ethereal Filipiniana-inspired costumes that move as gracefully as the dancers themselves

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Ballet Philippines
February 4, 2025

The marriage of fashion and ballet has always been a grand affair—think Dior’s tutus, Chanel’s leotards, and now locally, Jor-El Espina’s Filipiniana fantasy for Ang Panaginip. Because what is ballet if not a high-stakes runway where pliés meet panache?

Celebrating his 20th year in the industry, Espina—known for his contemporary takes on Philippine wear—has taken on his most theatrical project yet: designing the costumes for Ballet Philippines’ full-length production of Ang Panaginip. And if you know anything about Espina, you know he does nothing by halves.

From Runway to Relevé

Designing for a ballet means contending with two very important things: movement and magic. Unlike his signature Bomberong—a bomber jacket and barong hybrid that the country’s well-dressed elite have come to love—these pieces aren’t just meant to be admired from a cocktail table at an event. They need to breathe, bend, and, most importantly, not fall apart mid-pirouette.

“Ballet resonates deeply with me as a designer,” Espina shares. “It’s storytelling through movement, emotion, and music.” And to ensure that every sauté and arabesque is as fluid as it is visually arresting, he turned to light, handwoven Philippine fabrics, masterfully merging function with fantasy.

Ballet Philippines’ Ang Panaginip poster

A Dream in Motion

The title of the ballet—Ang Panaginip (The Dream)—could not be more fitting. Set in a mystical world, it tells the story of 17 princesses breaking free from their predetermined roles, discovering who they truly are. (Sound familiar? That’s basically every Filipino tita at a reunion after two glasses of wine.)

For the 12 princesses in particular, Espina’s designs go beyond aesthetics—they’re a declaration. The costumes seamlessly fuse traditional elements with a fresh, contemporary vision. “I particularly enjoyed designing for them,” Espina admits. “Their roles demanded a unique blend of all-Filipino-infused traditional costumes, theatricality, and grace.” And let’s be honest, if anyone can make the terno ballet-ready, it’s him.

Jor-El Espina’s costume sketches for ‘Ang Panaginip’

Jor-El Espina’s mood board for ‘Ang Panaginip’

The Beauty of the Filipino Weave

As an advocate for local craftsmanship long before it became a marketing buzzword, Espina made sure to highlight indigenous textiles in his designs. But don’t expect predictable, been-there-seen-that patterns. Instead, he carefully selected non-sacred weaves, ensuring that tradition was honored without veering into appropriation. “Many of the local fabrics used were collected over the span of 20 years,” he reveals. And if that’s not dedication, what is?

From Stage to Street?

Now, for those of us who won’t be performing grand jetés anytime soon (unless dodging Manila traffic counts), Espina has hinted at translating elements of these theatrical costumes into ready-to-wear pieces. “The textures, drapery, and Filipino-inspired details can translate beautifully into wearable fashion,” he teases. Imagine a terno that moves with the grace of a ballerina—elegant yet effortless, a perfect bridge between fantasy and function.

Catch Ang Panaginip

Ballet Philippines’ Ang Panaginip runs from February 28 to March 2 at The Theatre at Solaire. Whether you're a ballet aficionado, a fashion enthusiast, or just someone looking for a visual feast, one thing’s for certain, Jor-El Espina’s designs will take center stage—literally.