The pandemic was a tumultuous time for artists and dancers. Fortunately the community has banded together to ensure the longevity of their practice and their people
Three dance companies, one common passion. Ballet Philippines, Ballet Manila, and Philippine Ballet Theatre have formed an unprecedented coalition in order to support their dancers and their art through the shutdowns brought on by the pandemic.
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The sense of unity that has pervaded the community is more than infectious—it is inspiring. The Guest Artist Program was initiated to support dancers through employment, training, and growth opportunities despite the lack of it at a time when theatres were shut down and stage lights were turned off. "We wanted to bring together the best dance companies in the country under one shared goal of keeping Philippine performance arts alive," says Kathleen Liechtenstein, president of Ballet Philippines.
At a time when artists struggled most, Ballet Manila held its ground and did its best to adapt to the situation. Three out of fourteen dancers decided to hang up their pointe shoes, some even left the country. Fortunately, the rest stayed on. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, founder and artistic director of Ballet Manila, recounts: "They would sometimes dance, teach in school, and work creatively to put up recitals for our students." So when Macuja-Elizalde was presented with the invitation to form the Guest Artist Program, she enthusiastically said that she was all for it. "I was immediately thinking of my dancers and their wellbeing. If I can't offer them performances and a chance to grow as artists, then I am glad someone else has.”
Now, five Ballet Manila dancers have been given the opportunity to grow through this unique collaboration, strengthening their skills and fostering a sense of unity within the community.
