Cover ABT Studio Company

Expect a spellbinding production with ballet and classical music onstage this April

A series of shows and workshops are in the lineup this month for the benefit of Ayala Foundation's CENTEX programme. The ABT Studio Company will be performing not only in Manila but also in Cebu and Davao, with special performances from acclaimed pianist Cecile Licad. These productions are not only to showcase world-class talent but to also inspire young people in the arts.

The series of shows will kick off with a gala night on April 20th at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. The opening will be followed by public shows at Ayala Center Cebu and Ayala Malls Abreeza, on April 22nd and 23rd respectively.

Stella Abrera, former ABT principal dancer and now acting artistic director of ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, and her husband Sascha Radetsky, ABT Studio Company's artistic director, will host masterclasses in STEPS Dance Studio in Makati City and Ayala Center Cebu.

Read also: Pianist Cecile Licad on Love and Music

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Above Cecile Licad
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Above Stella Abrera

“It’s wonderful to see time and time again how the arts can bring many people together for a common cause. I am optimistic to meet our goal for the Filipino youth to pursue their love for the arts,” shared Sofia Zobel Elizalde, STEPS Dance Studio Founder.

The relationship between ABT Studio Company and Ayala Foundation is strengthened by their shared mission of offering a sanctuary where young talents can be nurtured by passionate mentors.

The 12 rising stars from the said ballet company who are performing in this year’s shows are Madison Brown, Finnian Carmeci, Kayke Carvalho, YeonSeo Choi, Kyra Coco, Brady Farrar, Ayami Goto, Lilia Greyeyes, Takumi Miyake, Sylvie Squires, Alejandro Valera Outlaw, and former Pacita Madrigal scholar under the STEPS Scholarship Foundation, Vince Pelegrin.

At the age of 8, Vince started studying various dance styles at Steps Dance Studio, where he was also first spotted by the Artistic Director of ABT Studio Company Sascha Radetsky, in 2018. He was recently offered a spot in ABT Studio Company after graduating under a full scholarship from ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.

Read also: Prima ballerina Stella Abrera with fellow American Ballet Theatre stars

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Above Vince Pelegrin, Former Pacita Madrigal scholar under the STEPS Scholarship Foundation and current ABT Studio Company dancer

“We are beyond grateful for the unwavering support of ABT Studio Company. This is the third fund-raiser that we are doing together and with Cecile Licad as one of our guest performers this year, it certainly raises the bar with what we can achieve,” mused Ruel Maranan, Ayala Foundation President. “We believe education can change lives. This is the reason for the CENTEX program: to provide quality education to underprivileged kids who want to pursue a career in performing arts.”

Ayala Malls’ participation is an extension of its Bravo Filipino campaign, which aims to celebrate local culture through fashion, food, crafts, and of course, performing arts. “The series of mall shows featuring ABT Studio Company and Cecile Licad is one of the campaign’s first initiatives,” elaborated Christopher Maglanoc, Ayala Malls President. “It’s the perfect start for Bravo Filipino. It clearly reflects our intention, which is to recognize exceptional Filipino talent—whether they are performers, artisans, designers, chefs, and such.”

Read also: Life Lessons: Stella Abrera

Tatler Asia
Above "Known By Heart Duet" Choreography by Twyla Tharp featuring Kotomi Yamada and Jake Roxander – Photo by Carlos Quezeda

Witness the return of the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company on a night of entertainment in support of Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX program. The series of shows are co-presented by Patek Philippe and BPI Private Wealth, sponsored by Globe, and in cooperation with Seda Hotels, Philippine Airlines, and Pearl Farm.

Tickets are now available. Visit ayalafoundation.org for more information

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Franz Sorilla IV
Art and Culture Editor, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

About

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.

Work

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.

As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.

For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.