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Dancing with Purpose: Ballet Philippines’ Journey to Mindanao

Ballet Philippines, one of Asia’s foremost dance companies, continues its intense and focused outreach program, this time by participating in the Mindanao Art Fair. As they move to the southern tip of the Philippines, the company embarks on an inspiring journey of collaboration, cultural exchange, and exploration.

Ballet Philippines’ Dancers with Artisitc Director, Mikhail Martynyuk, arriving early this morning, September 27, 2024 at the Davao Airport.

Exploring Mindanao’s Dance Movements

As part of their participation, the company is diving into Mindanao’s unique dance traditions, enriching their artistic vocabulary. By connecting with local dancers and learning from indigenous practices, Ballet Philippines strengthens their ties to Filipino culture while expanding the reach of ballet.

Ballet Philippines’ Dancers at the gallery in SM Lanang, Davao.

Meeting the Tagabawa Community in Digos

One of the most meaningful parts of their trip is meeting the Tagabawa community. Ballet Philippines recognizes the deep roots of dance in this community’s traditions and its role in reflecting social issues. Learning directly from the Tagabawa people, the company gains insight into how dance can carry messages of both resilience and transformation.

Honoring the Legacy of the Rano Massacre Survivors

In a deeply emotional exchange, the company is also listening to the stories of survivors of the 1989 Rano Massacre, reflecting on how the arts can memorialize and heal. This marks a significant moment where Ballet Philippines uses dance not just as art, but as a medium for empathy and discourse.

Empowering the Next Generation

BP’s visit concludes with a workshop at Davao City National High School, inspiring Mindanao’s youth to stay grounded in their cultural heritage while pursuing their creative passions. By nurturing these young talents, Ballet Philippines fosters a new wave of creatives who will carry their community’s stories forward.

Ballet Philippines’ participation in Mindanao Art symbolizes more than just a performance—it’s a powerful act of cultural connection and storytelling. The company’s dedication to embracing local traditions, while pushing artistic boundaries, makes them a force for uniting the nation through dance. These outreach programs are where the heart of Ballet Philippines truly beats!

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BP Bulletin

Ballet Philippines’ Ballet Outreach Brings Dance to Tacloban

From September 13-15, 2024, Ballet Philippines (BP) brought the joy of ballet to the resilient city of Tacloban, Leyte. Despite overcast weather in both Manila and Tacloban, the BP team departed Manila in high spirits, eager to share the beauty of ballet with the people of Tacloban, a city that gained international attention in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Now fully recovered, Tacloban welcomed the Ballet Philippines dancers and team with open arms.

Upon arrival, BP dancers and staff visited Mr. Glenn Capucion, President of the Tingog Partylist, who expressed his gratitude for the company’s visit and their efforts to bring ballet to the region.

BP then performed at North Hill, where schoolchildren eagerly awaited their first glimpse of ballet. The dancers performed an excerpt from their most recent production, La Sylphide, followed by a ballet class that was
met with enthusiasm from the children. After the class, BP assisted in distributing backpacks filled with school supplies, bringing smiles to many young faces.

The day concluded with visits to Tacloban’s iconic sites, including the San Juanico Bridge and the Haiyan Memorial, where the team reflected on the city’s resilience and recovery.

The following day, BP held a ballet masterclass at the People’s Center for local ballet students. Students from all levels of dance, from Baby Ballet to Adult Ballet, enjoyed a truly uplifting ballet masterclass with our enthusiastic dancers.

Later in the afternoon, BP visited the Community of Hope in Palanog, where the children enjoyed another dance performance and class.

Afterward, BP dancers received a plaque of appreciation from local officials, recognizing their contributions to the community.

The heartfelt response from the Tacloban community was best captured by a representative from the office of Mr. Capucion, Ms. Rowena Young who remarked: “You didn’t just perform; you shared a piece of your heart with us. The passion and energy you brought were palpable, and the joy you inspired will stay with our community for a lifetime.

BP dancers and staff left Tacloban with full hearts, knowing they had touched lives through the art of ballet.

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BP Bulletin

Celebrating Amanda Luym: A Birthday Greeting for BP’s Dedicated Trustee

On this day we celebrate a gem…

A diamond forged  by fortitude.

A pearl shaped by grit. 

An emerald crowned with eloquence, wit, and style.

Wishing you a bright and happy birthday, Amanda!

From your BP Family  ❤️

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BP Bulletin

Experience the Vibrant Heritage of Philippine Dance Tonight with Ballet Philippines

Get ready to be captivated by an evening of extraordinary dance performances that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of dance in the Philippines. Tonight, May 23, 7:30PM at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, the Cultural Center of the Philippines proudly presents “Pulso Pilipinas: Mga Likhang Sayaw.” This spectacular production promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring the incredible talents of various dance companies, with Ballet Philippines leading the charge.

“Pulso Pilipinas: Mga Likhang Sayaw” is more than just a performance; it is a journey through the diverse and vibrant dance traditions that have shaped Filipino culture. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the full spectrum of Philippine dance.

One of the highlights of the evening will be Ballet Philippines’ performance of an excerpt from “Equus.” Known for their breathtaking precision and emotional depth, Ballet Philippines is set to deliver a performance that will leave audiences in awe. This piece, which seamlessly blends classical ballet with modern themes, showcases the company’s versatility and artistic excellence.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of ballet or a newcomer to the world of dance, “Pulso Pilipinas: Mga Likhang Sayaw” promises to be an unforgettable experience. Join us tonight at the Metropolitan Theater and be a part of this vibrant cultural event.

Secure your tickets now via this link and prepare to be enchanted by the grace, power, and passion of Ballet Philippines. See you there!

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BP Bulletin

Birthday Greetings to BP Trustee, Carlo Calma

Mavericks and magicians are not made.

They are born—and one we hold dear celebrates his special day today! 

Happy birthday, Carlo! 🎂

From your BP Family 💖

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BP Bulletin

BP’s Ballet Brigade in Batanes: Celebrating Culture and the Transformative Power of Dance

Ballet Philippines embarked on a transformative journey to the idyllic landscapes of Batanes to share the power of ballet and immerse in the rich cultural tapestry of the province. Through a series of workshops held over Mother’s Day weekend, the Ballet Brigade endeavored to introduce ballet to the children of the Ivatan tribe of Batanes, imparting the magic of movement and expression. However, the experience proved to be a reciprocal exchange of knowledge and appreciation, as the locals graciously shared their own cultural heritage, enlightening the visiting artists with the beauty of their traditions.

Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein poses with the children during the first workshop
Ballet Philippines embarked on a transformative journey to the idyllic landscapes of Batanes to share the power of ballet and immerse in the rich cultural tapestry of the province

Facilitated by the collaborative efforts of Ballet Philippines and the Batanes locals, the workshop was a meaningful cultural exchange. Gratitude to Mr. John Jesus Asa, a member of the Ivatan indigenous community, who tirelessly worked as the local liaison to make the Ballet Brigade happen. Among the distinguished guests were Ms. Anastacia B. Viola, Sitting Provincial Board Member for District 1, and principal dancers from Ballet Philippines, including Jemima Reyes, Ian Ocampo, Rudolph Capongcol and Regina Magbitang. Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein also graced the occasion.

Sitting Provincial Board Member for District 1 Anastacia B. Viola welcomes Ballet Philippines to Batanes
BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein during her opening remarks
BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein with Batanes liaison John Jesus Asa
Ballet Philippines Princial Dancers Regina Magbitang, Rudolph Capongcol, Ian Ocampo and Jemima Reyes

The Ballet Brigade kicked off with the first workshop held at the Batanes National Science High School on May 11, 2024. Over 180 Ivatan children, spanning various age groups from toddlers to teenagers, gathered for the event. Despite it being Saturday, which is traditionally a busy farming day for the Batanes people, the community showed remarkable enthusiasm for the event. One of the highlights of the day was introducing ballet to young aspiring dancers like Dotan, a 9-year-old with dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. For Dotan, and many other children like him, the Ballet Brigade workshop represented a transformative moment which ignited a newfound passion for dance.

Ian Ocampo shows the children some movements
Many kids from Batanes were experiencing ballet for the first time
While Saturday is traditionally a farming day, the Batanes people came to the Ballet Brigade with enthusiasm
Meet Dotan, a 9-year-old with dreams of becoming a ballet dancer

Throughout the rest of the weekend, the exchange of artistic expressions flourished as everybody engaged in both ballet and traditional dance forms native to Batanes. The locals performed the traditional Palu Palu Dance, a poignant and unique “mock battle dance” and a symbol of cultural resilience. It captivated audiences with its grace. In addition, the following day found the Ballet Philippines dancers learning traditional dances, and performing it with the Batanes youth.

The Batanes youth taught the Ballet Philippines dancers some traditional dances
The Batanes locals performing the traditional Palu Palu Dance

The cultural exchange culminated in a lovely evening celebration, in which the Ivatan community elders shared a traditional Batanes dance, offering a deeper glimpse into the province’s rich heritage. The entire event was a testament to the power of dance and its ability to bridge cultures and unite communities. The timing of the Ballet Brigade also felt appropriate as May is National Heritage Month in the Philippines.

Learning a traditional dance from the province elders
The culmination event on the final evening with the Batanes elders

Ballet Philippines is extremely proud to continue its commitment in fostering local dance culture in all its forms across the country. The Ballet Brigade’s journey to Batanes not only left an unforgettable mark on the hearts of those who participated, but also served as a celebration of culture, unity, and the transformative power of the dance.

The Ballet Brigade participants
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BP Bulletin

BP Celebrates Ballet Moms–and all Moms–this Mother’s Day!

On this cherished occasion of Mother’s Day, let us honor the extraordinary ballet mothers who form the bedrock of our dance family. Your unwavering support and boundless love imbue every performance with a brilliance unmatched, casting a luminous glow upon our collective journey of grace and splendor!

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BP Bulletin

Birthday Greetings to BP Trustee Katrina Razon

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BP Bulletin

Ballet Philippines on ANC’s At The Moment

ANC’s “At the Moment” team accompanied us to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater for the International Dance Day Festival last Saturday, April 27.

Several ballet companies showcased their talents that evening, among them Ballet Philippines, who delivered a flawless performance of an excerpt from Carlo Calma’s “Diyosa.” You can catch the episode here:

Ballet Philippines presented an excerpt from an original production that made its world premiere to close BP’s 53rd Season.
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BP Bulletin

A Special Tribute: Labor Day Greetings from Ballet Philippines!

Ana, an OFW nurse heroine from BP’s 54th season, Limang Daan, is a symbol of those whom we honor today. 

Happy Labor Day!