Passion for Dance, the Arts, and Nurturing Young Talents

Ayala Foundation, the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies and a leading advocate in community development, teams up again with STEPS Scholarship Foundation and internationally acclaimed Filipino-American prima ballerina Stella Abrera for another series of magical classical ballet performances to raise funds for CENTEX, Ayala Foundation’s flagship education program.

This year, Abrera will be performing alongside fellow American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Principal Dancer James Whiteside and the ABT Studio Company under the direction of Mr. Sascha Radetsky for “Stella Abrera & Rising Stars of American Ballet Theatre Featuring James Whiteside, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre” at the Maybank Performance Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City on November 7 and 8.

Co-presented by Patek Philippe, the benefit show also gathered various supporters of the cause including STEPS Dance Studio, SEDA, Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Inc., Globe Platinum, Noble House Enterprise Distribution, Malongo, Distinqt, SSI Group, Inc., LBC, Capezio, Sharp Travel Service, and ARC Gin by Full Circle Distillers.

Since Radetsky, Abrera’s husband, became Artistic Director of the ABT Studio Company, she has grown more aware and proud of the important work the company does. “I see a parallel in the missions of CENTEX and ABT: both organizations offer a sanctuary where young people can be nurtured by passionate mentors to go on to bright futures,” Abrera shares. “These lucky dancers spend one or two years, not only honing their technical skills, they also have a safe place for artistic exploration—reaching for the ultimate goal of finding employment with either ABT or other notable ballet companies.”

It’s especially brilliant that the Filipino audience can see this mission in action once again on stage—joining Abrera and Whiteside will be six newly appointed ABT apprentices Leah Baylin, Kanon Kimura, Melvin Lawovi, Joseph Markey, Duncan Mcllwaine, and Chloe Misseldine who have just graduated from ABT. Also performing are ABT Studio Company dancers Tristan Brosnan, Teresa D’Otorne, Cy Doherty, Glatz Tillie, Seon Mee Park, Gabriel Rajah, Andrew Robare, Yoon Jung Seo, Shino Tsurutani, Aleisha Walker, and gifted Filipino dancer and former CENTEX Tondo Scholar Elwince Magbitang.

This year’s stellar fund-raising event features numerous young, bright talents like Magbitang and the ABT apprentices—a new breed of dancers who are sure to speak to and attract support from a lot of hip, young, artistically inclined Filipinos who are captivated by not just ballet, but the art of dance in general.

“Philippine audiences will get the chance to watch this young and incredibly gifted group of dancers who are rising stars and the future of the American Ballet Theatre. They will showcase classical ballet at its best and feature in exciting programs thoughtfully pieced together by Mr. Radetsky.” Elizalde says. President of Ayala Foundation, Ruel Maranan adds, “Through this continuing partnership, we hope to nurture a new generation of talented dancers from CENTEX, just like Elwince, who is starting to make a name for himself.”

Catch Stella Abrera, James Whiteside, and the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company on November 7 and 8, 2019 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater and witness the magic and full richness of classical ballet. The event is co-presented by Patek Philippe and supported by STEPS Dance Studio, SEDA, Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Inc., Globe Platinum, Noble House Enterprise Distribution, Malongo, Distinqt, Lacoste, LBC, Capezio, Sharp Travel Service, and ARC Gin by Full Circle Distillers.

Tickets are available on TicketWorld. For more information, visit ayalafoundation.org or ticketworld.com.ph