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BP Bulletin

Ballet Philippines Brings Hope and Inspiration to La Union Through Outreach Program

Ballet Philippines brought the joy of dance to more than 1,000 students at La Union National High School through its outreach and community program. From learning the five basic ballet positions to experiencing a live performance, students discovered how art can inspire, uplift, and spark dreams.


Ballet Philippines (BP) recently brought the power of dance to La Union National High School (LUNHS), where more than 1,000 students experienced their first-ever ballet class and enjoyed a professional performance by the country’s flagship dance company.

This community outreach program is part of BP’s continuing mission to extend the reach of the arts beyond the metro, creating opportunities to educate, inspire, and nurture future generations of Filipino artists.

The ballet class introduced students to the five basic ballet positions—foundational movements that offered them a glimpse into the discipline and beauty of the art form. For many of the young participants, it was their very first encounter with ballet.

The session was not just about movement; it was about opening doors to creativity, sparking imagination, and showing how dance can be a source of strength and self-expression.

The visit was especially meaningful for LUNHS, a school still recovering from the devastation of recent typhoons. Classrooms had been flooded, walls sustained water damage, and one building was left without a roof. Against this backdrop of hardship, Ballet Philippines’ presence provided a moment of joy and renewal—reminding the community of the resilience and hope that the arts can inspire, even in the most difficult of times.

“Ballet has the power to uplift and to inspire,” said Kathleen Liechtenstein, President of Ballet Philippines. “Through our outreach and community programs, we want to ensure that every Filipino child, regardless of where they live, has the chance to experience the beauty and discipline of dance. This is our way of giving back, of planting seeds of inspiration that we hope will grow into a lifelong appreciation for the arts.”

With initiatives like these, Ballet Philippines continues to affirm its role as a cultural pillar of the nation—bringing world-class artistry to every corner of the Philippines and ensuring that the gift of dance remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.

This journey was made possible through the steadfast support of Victory Liner, whose partnership ensured that the company could reach the community safe and sound, and share the gift of the dance. Their commitment to connecting people extends beyond transportation — it helps bring hope and inspiration to future generations.

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BP Bulletin

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.

A Visit to Lake Sebu

Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director, Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk, along with dancers Anthony Balucay and Eduardson Evangelio, recently participated in a meaningful cultural immersion in Lake Sebu. They explored the rich heritage of the T’boli people by visiting significant sites, including the Lang Dulay Weaving Center, Bundos Fara’s T’boli Brass Casting shop, and The Lake Sebu School of Living Traditions. Through this experience, they gained a deeper understanding of T’boli culture, witnessing firsthand the beauty of T’boli music, dance, intricate textile weaving, and brass casting.

Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director, Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk along with BP dancers embarked on a meaningful cultural immersion in Lake Sebu.
Through this journey, Misha and the dancers experienced the vibrant T’boli culture firsthand—its music, dance, intricate textile weaving, and brass casting—gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of our T’boli brothers and sisters’ way of life.

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.

Ballet Philippines
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