BALLET MANILA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AND ARTISTRY WITH SWAN LAKE FEATURING SAN FRANCISCO BALLET SUPERSTARS

 

Philippines - Ballet Manila continues the celebration of its 30th Anniversary with the restaging of the beloved classic, Swan Lake featuring an exceptional roster of ballet stars from San Francisco Ballet.

“Bringing this masterpiece to life for our 30th anniversary season is very monumental as it underscores Ballet Manila’s dedication to the highest standards of classical ballet,” explains Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director.

San Francisco Ballet soloist Katherine Barkman and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez will perform Ballet Manila’s Swan Lake (photo courtesy of Renee-Olson Productions)

This is further reinforced by Swan Lake’s two pairs of powerful main leads. On May 30, 2025 (8PM), May 31, 2025 (5PM), and June 1, 2025 (5PM), the production will be led by San Francisco’s first soloist Katherine Barkman, who will return to her Ballet Manila home stage to perform the dual roles Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan). A former mentee of Macuja Elizalde and principal dancer of Ballet Manila, Barkman will wow the audience with her mesmerizing technique and emotional depth in portraying the characters.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF BALLET MANILA'S LEGACY AND INSPIRING GENERATIONS

Philippines – Against all odds and surpassing every expectation, Ballet Manila triumphantly celebrates its 30th anniversary – a testament to its resilience, unwavering passion and boundless creativity. From its humble beginnings beset by skepticism and naysayers, Ballet Manila has risen to become a symbol of artistic excellence, and a beacon of hope that has inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams with passion and hard work. 

Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Osias Barroso Jr. were long time creative partners. This partnership was pivotal in shaping Ballet Manila to what it is today.

Three decades of dedication and passion for excellence

Reflecting on the journey, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila's CEO and artistic director, shares that Ballet Manila has built a legacy that speaks for itself and at its core are values instilled by its first artistic director, Eric V. Cruz, and her co-artistic director of many years, the late Osias Barroso Jr. 

“Taking company class every day and jumping until the end of class is a must-do for everyone in the company. The rule really was no class, no rehearsal. No rehearsal, no performance. All part of the discipline needed to stay in top form to be able to dance well,” recounts Lisa. She emphasized daily class, discipline, and prioritizing dancers' welfare have been a cornerstone of the company's success.

Deeply rooted in its Russian Vaganova roots, the classics are at the heart of Ballet Manila’s repertoire.