There are things that you see that leave you speechless!!! I guess that stands true for this post. Its been months but I seem to still cannot string the words that describe how I feel about World Stars of Ballet. This is me trying to express my overly complex and conflicted opinion of the show.
No doubt about it, Ballet Manila should be lauded for giving the Filipino audience the opportunity to have a glimpse of best of the best in the world. No other company has been able to do the same. Years have passed but I still cannot forget "Russian Stars of Ballet" which was also made possible by the generosity of Ballet Manila. This time they tried to outdo themselves with "World Stars of Ballet" . Who's who of ballet all gathered awaiting another spectacle in Aliw theatre.
The show ran quite long but the audience was never bored. It was vicious cycle of oohhing ahhhing, resting, clapping , and sitting up in excitement. Yoel Carreno and Yolanda Correa Frias, easily were the most applauded of all the stars. The two dancers from Norwegian National Ballet performed the pas de deux from Diana and Acteon Yoel Carreno appeared like an Adonis with his beautiful physique and strong masculine style. At times he seemed to just fly. His cabrioles were clean and crisp. The thing that made his tricks so impressive was the expression in his face. He seemed to enjoy every minute of his time on stage. It was as if dance was his opium. It was beautiful to watch. Yolanda Correa Frias was technically very impressive. She had an air of elegance about her. Though I always prefer the quirky cute version of Diana, one cannot help but be impressed with her suave goddess approach to the role. She was every bit a principal . The audience seemed to unanimously agree that they should be hailed Stars of the Night.
Everyone was eager to get a glimpse of the alluring and ever so famous Paloma Herrera from American Ballet Theatre. She was partnered by Maxim Beloserkovsky in the pas de deux "Apollo". The piece they performed was not flashy at all. It was simple but beautiful. It once again proves that you don't necessarily need tricks on stage to impress a crowd. Paloma was exquisite. Every time she went en pointe, she just amazed everyone with her beautiful feet. she elongates her body beautifully articulating every movement. She really did not disappoint. Her partner was definitely very skilled but the pas de deux really did showcase more of the woman then the man.
Ballet Manila's very own Lisa Macuja also peformed with Rudy De Dios. The BM Principals appropriately picked " Don Quixote" pas de deux . Kitri is one of the roles that made Lisa Macuja famous. She delivered and represented the Filipinos well with her quirky, flirtatious and extremely energizer bunny version of "Kitri".
It would seem that the show being filled with so much spectacles, that I would leave with a fully satiated mind. However, something about Ballet Manila's performance bothered me a bit. I have been a Ballet Manila follower and have inevitably developed interest in some of their dancers. But it seemed that the show showcased only its younger breed of dancers. I may be imagining things but it seems like the past few shows have only showcased the newer dancers who honestly pale in comparison with the more seasoned dancers(hasty generalization , I know!). I was delighted to finally see Nino Guevarra, Michael Divinigracia and Alvin Santos showcased in significant parts in Bam Damian's celebration of masculinity during the World Stars show. True the younger dancers are beautiful to look at, indeed full of potential. But I am saddened by the fact that the more senior seasoned dancers have to constantly take a step back away from the limelight. I wish I could have seen Nino Guevarra take the title role in Don Quixote as I know he would have been a brilliant partner for Lisa Macuja. I have not forgotten his award winning performance in Namcya where he wowed everyone with his his fancy footwork. I would have loved to see Alvin Santos showcased in a classical piece showing his exquisite extensions. I would have loved to see Michael Divinigracia in a challenging modern piece. Though I know Mylene Aggabao is a treasured Principal in the company, I did not see her perform a grand pas de deux in the show. They would have represented the Filipino community well. I guess I am left wondering why,,..... why did they not choose their strongest dancers?
So there. That's why it took so long for me to write this post. I am floored to have watched such beautiful foreign dancers . But at the same time I did leave with a bit of a heavy heart because I missed Ballet Manila's own stars (With the exception of Lisa Macuja) Perhaps I am imagining things but that's what I took home that night. A bittersweet evening as they say. Nonetheless, I say Bravo to Ballet Manila for a job well done. If the intention is to inspire the local balletomanes and ballerinas, mission accomplished. Indeed World Stars of Ballet will be one show that will be difficult to forget. Thank you for the experience.
June 8, 2012
World Stars of Ballet
Ballet Manila
Aliw Theatre
Photo Credit: Geri Francisco
I COULD BE WRONG :)
No comments:
Post a Comment