Ballet Philippines

Founded in 1969 by Alice Reyes with the support of Eddie Elejar and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines (BP) is a ballet company proficient in both ballet and modern dance.[1] The company synthesises diverse dance and movement forms,[2] from classical ballet to avant-garde choreographies, from traditional to modern dance, from martial arts to aerial movements, into distinctively Filipino contemporary expressions.

As the resident dance company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines is globally recognised as the country's flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance, becoming a cornerstone of Filipino cultural identity. They have earned critical [3] and popular acclaim at home as well as throughout the world, showcasing the Philippines' rich cultural heritage of music and dance on the international stage. The company has been cited for its strong dance foundation, flexibility of style and exciting sense of theater. [4]

Today, its audience represents a cross-section of Manila's populace and includes visitors from around the country and around the world. Each year outreach and educational programs introduce new generations of audience members not only to dance[5] but to music and visual art as well. BP's official school, the CCP Dance School, continues to produce dancers of international caliber.

With a treasure trove of over 400 works, Ballet Philippines' wide ranging, eclectic repertory is unparalleled in Asia. From full-length classical ballets and internationally recognised masterworks to indigenous works of Filipino folklore and social issues, the company weaves a colorful tapestry of the Philippine's rich and diverse cultural heritage – uniquely and distinctly Filipino.

The Company's achievements, coupled with the generous and prestigious support of numerous local and national funding sources, have dramatically strengthened BP's position as a world-class ballet company within the local, national, and international arts communities.

As the Philippines' premiere dance company, now in its 45th season, BP continues its vision of nurturing the best Fiipino dance artists, in year long program of professional and developmental dance.

History

In February 1970, the Alice Reyes Modern Dance Company premiered its debut performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Its original members included dancers from the Bayanihan Dance Company, U.E. Dance Troupe and Dance Theater Philippines. In April that year, recognising the available time and space at the CCP as well as the need to train more dancers, the company introduced the first CCP Summer Dance Workshop. (This would eventually be held annually, training two to four hundred students each year in classical and modern dance.) That same year, the CCP Dance Workshop and Company was launched with Alice Reyes and Eddie Elejar as Artistic Directors.

Awards[6]

1979

1980

1993

1994

2000

2005

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Artistic Directors

Notable Alumni

Candice Adea, Franklin Bobadilla, Rey Dizon, Maricar Drillon, Sofia Zobel Elizalde, Carla Escoda, Tina Escoda, Tina Fargas, Nonoy Froilan, Toni Lopez Gonzalez, Nes Jardin, Camille Ordinario-Joson, Gina Katigbak, Sonny Locsin, Eduardo Malagkit, Robert Medina, Effie Nañas, Malu Rivera-Peoples, Luther Perez, Dwight Rodrigazo, Perry Sevidal, Edna Vida, Victor Ursabia, Ramon Victoria, Steve Villaruz

References

  1. ↑ Jacinto, J. 2007. The Ballet Company: A Philippine Experience Through Repertoire. MA Thesis. University of the Philippines.
  2. ↑ Bong, Austero (15 August 2011). "A splendid production". Manila Standard Today. Retrieved 1 September 2011. ... Ballet Philippines’ restaging of Encantada, Agnes Locsin’s dance masterpiece. ...showcasing various local myths, traditions, and rituals. ... In Encantada, Agnes Locsin fused together classical ballet techniques with stylized Filipino ethnic movements.
  3. ↑ Casayuran, Mario B. (2011, February 24). Bongbong bats for national status for Ballet Philippines. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved from: http://www.bongbongmarcos.com/news/post/manila-bulletin-bongbong-bats-for-national-status-for-ballet-philippines/
  4. ↑ Logarta, Michele T. (2000, May 29). The Story of Ballet Philippines. the Philippine Star. Retrieved from: http://www.newsflash.org/2000/05/sb/sb001237.htm
  5. ↑ "Wealth Treats Orphans to a Ballet Philippines Presentation of Cinderella". The Philippine Star . Retrieved From: http://www.philstar.com/good-news/2015/01/05/1409429/whealth-treats-orphans-ballet-philippines-presentation-cinderella.
  6. ↑ Ballet Philippines Milestones. ballet.ph
  7. ↑ By the President of the Philippines. ""Proclamation no. 807""

External links

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