7 Bravo! Moments From Ballet Manila's Swan Lake Show
Ballet Manila's rendition of Swan Lake was such a brilliant production, every Act deserved a BRAVO! moment. Here's why:
1. Timeless Classic Ballet
It's already a given, Swan Lake is one of the most famous classical ballets in the world that mixes magic, tragedy, and romance. What's great is that Ballet Manila chose to perform it for their 22nd Performance Season "Flights of Fantasy" with such brilliance and grandeur.
2. Magnificent Choreography
I'm not a ballet critic nor an expert, but I was so amused seeing these professional Filipina ballerinas on flight! They move graciously as one, their bodies seem like they are boneless and stage presence is on point. What a treat for me knowing that they used the original Lev Ivanov choreography and at the same time featured some choreography by Russia People’s Artist Sergey Vikulov and Tatiana Udalenkova.
3. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde Production
Being Ballet Manila's CEO and Artistic Director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde put up this show to inspire young children to work on their dreams too—just like how she did when she first saw the ballet. This brings back to her story when she saw Swan Lake with Prima Ballerina Yoko Morishita as the Swan Queen. That inspiring moment transformed her to become the dancer and icon that she is today. Given that, this production is no doubt made out of history and from the heart.
(Lisa Macuja-Elizalde looking so regal in her dark red ball gown.)
4. New Swans Arise
Witnessing a younger generation of ballerinas and danseurs trained by The Filipina Prima Ballerina herself as the new swans goes to show that we should be looking forward to the next Lisa Macuja in the making! Both roles of Odette/Odile was played by Katherine Barkman while the role of Prince Siegfried was played by Joseph Phillips at the time I watched it. Hands down to these two, they were really the stars of the night!
(Photos grabbed from @balletmanila)
5. Fascinating Set and Costumes
Exquisite tutus with delicate details and classic designs charmed me. Each costume was thought carefully, even the ones for men. Somehow, it made me dream of becoming a ballerina so that I can wear those beautifully made costumes! My personal faves are Odile's black swan suit, and the banquet performers' "gowns", to think they can dance and move around with it, I want one for when I attend special occasions!
6. Enchanting Music
The original score by Peter Tchaikovsky, were played live by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Russian conductor, Maestro Alexander Vikulov of the Mariinsky Theater. You know they smashed the crowd with haunting melodies when you've already familiarized the songs whenever Odile or Von Rothbart enters the stage.
7. Aliw Theater as Venue
It was my first time to watch professional ballet on a real theater stage and it was such an honor to catch a truly world-class rendition of Swan Lake in a well-kept legendary theater. Countless performances and memories were made in here and I couldn't miss taking my #OOTD pictures for the record!
(My #OOTD: Necklace Php100, Top Php100, Skirt Php200)
(With Levon of ARC Public Relations Inc)
This is one eventful experience I will keep in my heart for a lifetime. If you missed Swan Lake, don't worry, Ballet Manila will be surprising us with more performances soon. For madames and sirs who are planning to watch all their shows, guess what? You may take advantage of Ballet Manila's Season Subscription Programs, which offer up to 50% discount on ticket prices. For more information, you may visit http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/balletmanila/Online/ and click on ‘View Details’ under ‘Season Subscription Program’. ;)
