Part 3 of 3 stories written by Irene de Jesus Obligacion for The Manila Times, highlighting the artistry, strength, and inspiring journey of Ballet Philippines’ lead dancer in Alice in Wonderland.
As Ballet Philippines prepares to unveil Alice in Wonderland this December, principal dancer Jemima Reyes steps into the spotlight as Alice — a role that mirrors her own journey of curiosity, courage, and self-discovery. A graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts and De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, Jemima’s path from scholar to company apprentice and now principal dancer reflects years of discipline, artistry, and unwavering passion. Her performances in Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, La Sylphide, and Peter Pan have cemented her reputation as one of the company’s most compelling artists.
In Alice in Wonderland, Jemima channels both technical excellence and emotional depth, bringing to life a character who embodies wonder, growth, and resilience. She sees each performance as a continuation of her artistic evolution — an opportunity to merge skill with sincerity and connect authentically with audiences. Beyond the stage, Jemima embraces new dimensions of her life, balancing her dedication to ballet with the joy of newly married life and dreams of motherhood. Her story is a testament to the modern Filipino artist — strong, graceful, and ever-evolving, finding harmony between art and life.
Audiences can witness Jemima Reyes’ radiant portrayal of Alice in Ballet Philippines’ Alice in Wonderland, running from December 5 to 7 at The Theatre at Solaire. For tickets and more details, visit ballet.ph.
Read the full story by Irene de Jesus Obligacion for The Manila Times.