Allow me to do a mini throwback. Ballet Philippines started the year right by ending their 46th season with the remarkable production "Gabriel Barredo's Opera". The production in my humble opinion was a celebration of cultural liberty. It felt like artists were given freedom to create with no restrictions. As a result, the dancing was so rich. Both Gabriel Barredo's artwork (which was massively intricate) and choreographer Redha's choreography were glorified. It really did leave an imprint on me. It was as if Ballet Philippines wanted to send out a revolutionary message in red paint. Innovation is going to be their weapon against anonymity. Creation of new works will be what will define the Company. To an audience member like me, this message is quite exciting. After all, new works created for a company help freeze a moment in time. It reintroduces their dancers to their audience in a different way. And so I am happy that Ballet Philippines has chosen to open their 47th Season "Wings" with an equally ambitious production. They will open this August 19, 2016 with "Firebird and Other Ballets".
Their first production will feature four new works by able choreographers. On the front line is the classical ballet Firebird created by George Birkadze an international choreographer. This is Ballet Philippine's third time to present Firebird. It should be noted however that each version they have presented is completely different in approach. The choreographer has chosen to pepper the ballet with the Asian flavor rather than the ballet's Russian roots. I am curious to find out if I can see some Sarimanok feels, Asian or even Filipino traditionalism in this version. Mark Higgins in cooperation with SLIMS's Fashion and Art School has created intricately made costumes to dress up this ballet. Newly promoted Principal Dancer Rita Winder is casted for the title role of Firebird alternating with Jemima Reyes.
Adding to the international flavor, Spanish Choreographer David Campos is also sharing his piece entitled "Nenelehdej" with the company. David Campos is famous for his versions of full length ballets and his very eclectic neo-classical vocabulary.
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| "Nenelehdej" Choreography by David Campos Photography by Justin Bella Alonte |
Hong Kong Based Filipino choreographer Carlo Pacis has revisited his award winning choreography from 2010. Ballet Philippines is set to perform a fresh and extended version of " Shifting Wait".
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| "Shifting Wait" Choreography by Carlo Pacis Photography by Justin Bella Alonte |
One of my personal favorites, Dwight Rodrigazo has created a new piece called "Moving Two". For me his pieces always have a sense of breath and rhythmic play whether the theme is serious or not. I can't wait to see what his new creation is about.
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| "Moving Two" Choreography by Dwight Rodrigazo Photograph by Justin Bella Alonte |
The statement is big and bold. INNOVATION AND CREATION. Let's all come watch Ballet Philippines and see if their message is sustained in their season opener. Be part of their creative journey. See you at the theater.
For inquiries and details. Pls see below.
Poster Images courtesy of Ballet Philippines
Ballet Philippines’ The Firebird runs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on Friday, Aug. 19 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, Aug. 20 (2 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug. 21 (2 p.m. and 6 p.m.). Please call (02) 551-1003, email info@ballet.ph, or send a person message on fb.com/balletphilippines for more information.
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