Battle or Celebration of the Mixed Bill Program

Season of Flight Choreographed by Norman Walker
Photo by Jojo Mamangun 

Ballet Manila and Ballet Philippines will be sharing this weekend as they open their ballet seasons. Both will be presenting mixed bill programs that commemorate their past. It's a joint throwback.

Iconic 2.0 is the second installation of their iconic trip to memory lane. Featured are the works of local choreographers such as Gerardo Francisco (Ibong Adarna), Osias  Barosso (Ecole), Eric Cruz (Carmen), Lisa Macuja (Fur Elise) and Bam Damian III (El Adwa). Included in the program are the contributions of Martin Lawrence and Simon Hoy. Except for a few, these are major pieces that are familiar to the ballet community because they are often performed by the company. However what would be interesting to see is the debut of the new cast assuming the lead spots in these pieces. Take for example Jasmine Pia Dames performing in Bam Damian's El Adwa and Abigail Oliveiro performing Eric Cruz's Carmen. It's a reintroduction of who the new front liners are for the Company. It is a baptism of sorts that makes me giddy.

Abigail Oliveiro in Eric Cruz' Carmen
Photo by Gnie Arambulo 

Jasmine Pia Dames in El Adwa 

Ballet Philippines on the other hand continues their grand retrospective leading up to their golden anniversary. With the exception of one new piece "Sama Sama" by up and coming choreographer Ronelson Yadao, their season opener is a collection of pieces from the 1970s to early 1980s. Featured choreographers include Brando Miranda (Vivaldi Concerto), Norman Walker (Seasons of Flight) and of course National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes (Carmina Burana). These pieces are quite new to the eye for the newer generations. It is in a way a tribute to neo-classicism as they generally explore the ballet vocabulary in a stylized manner of story telling. Another good reason to watch this show is to see how the Company will utilize their fresh delivery of dancers. Joining the Company this season is Stephanie Santiago, AL Abraham and Earl John Arisola. Santiago is a homegrown talent of ACTS Manila who recently finished her schooling in Joffrey Ballet. AL Abraham is a skilled contemporary artist from UP Dance Company. Earl Arisola was a former soloist for the Company. It's interesting to see how they will contribute to Ballet Philippines' movement.

Carmina Burana
Photo by Jojo Mamangun 

With such a mix of pieces, surely there will be one that audiences will love. There will always be a reason to go to the theater and see our local ballet companies perform. Take your pick or watch both and come home with the satisfaction that you have been part of their journey. See you at the theatre.