Cover BP's production of 'Equus'
BP's production of 'Equus'
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After a two-year hiatus from live onstage performances, Ballet Philippines steps out to take us into an incredible 53rd season
The country's premier ballet school and company, Ballet Philippines (BP), recently hosted its annual season launch at Gallery by Chele—a highly anticipated luncheon by the company's patrons and friends after the series of quarantine restrictions due to the global health crisis.
"We wanted a launch that would reflect the inspired and invigorated spirit of the company," explained BP president Kathleen Liechtenstein. "Think of this as ‘revenge dancing.’ After years of online classes, live streaming, and digital migration, we wanted to step out again–and go where ballet has never been. We’re not just talking about locations, although that has been in the pipeline, but also new partnerships and collaborations."
Alonggée in Happy Andrada, worn by Ballet Philippines’ Maisie Briones, imagery by Jo Ann Bitagcol, shot on location at Okada Manila
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The guests were welcomed with Proclamation Gin cocktails, which they enjoyed while appreciating the exhibition of Jo Ann Bitagcol's fashion photographs featuring BP's core dancers. The company dancers exhibited grace and beauty in a visual narrative that is distinctly Bitagcol's, all while donning couture creations by the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Shot on location at Okada Manila, the photographs gave a glimpse of what BP has in store for its 53rd season.
This collaboration between BP and FDCP continues at this year's production of Nutcracker where esteemed fashion designer and FDCP president JC Buendia will be helping with the costume design.
Read also: Ballet Philippines' Guest Artist Program Gathers the Country's Ballet Community for a Purpose
BP's production of 'Dance Through Time'
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The celebrated restaurant Gallery by Chele prepared a sumptuous luncheon for BP's friends, patrons, board members, and some of the country's revered art enthusiasts.
Gallery by Chele's partner, owner and architect Juan Carlo Calma was hands-on with preparations. He worked closely with chef Chele Gonzalez to put together a three-course meal of tuna salad with tomato sorbet, snapper hollandaise, and sobao.
Read more: Dine-In As We Knew It Is Back With Gallery by Chele Gonzalez
BP's production of 'Bolero'
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“More than the usual preview of performances, we also wanted to showcase the new collaborations of Ballet Philippines in our aim to empower the creative community,” added Liechtenstein.
For its 53rd season, BP's artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk teased the guests with a dance excerpt with one of the company's core dancers Jemima Reyes. "I look forward to going back onstage and returning to the scene. Every artist knows the importance of getting back into his element and to his audience," Martynyuk said. "I’m also excited to have the opportunity to create new productions for the company. Now, we are doing a great job of restoring our bodies and spirits to discover new images."
The vision for the 53rd season is grounded in the idea of showcasing "new emotions, new discoveries, and a new crop of talented dancers on stage that audiences will fall in love with", according to Martynyuk. Thus, BP will be mounting productions of the Philippine cultural show Dance Through Time (June 2022), the Spanish classic pieces Paquita and Bolero (Act One, September 2022 Gala), the ballet adaptation of the critically acclaimed British play Equus (Act Two, September 2022), the timeless Christmas classic Nutcracker (December 2022), and the biographical piece Rizal (March 2023).
Read more: A Ballerina's Journey: Jemima Reyes on Why It's Not for the Faint of Heart
Above BPDS Pre-professional Training will mentor students to be the best dance professionals they can
Above BPDS Pre-professional Training will mentor students to be the best dance professionals they can
BPDS Pre-professional Training will mentor students to be the best dance professionals they can
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Furthermore, Ballet Philippines Dance School (BPDS) launches three studios to encourage more enthusiasts to enrol in BP's rigorous and nurturing training programme. BPDS Studio One at the CCP Complex has a mix of both online and in-person classes, BPDS SM Aura in Taguig has in-person classical and contemporary dance classes as they are different dance-related health and fitness programmes, while BPDS Online offers virtual classes perfect for regional and international students.
For more information, visit ballet.ph and follow @balletphlippines on Instagram
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Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
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