INTERNATIONAL BALLET STARS SHOWCASE A MESMERIZING SWAN LAKE FOR BALLET MANILA’S PEARL YEAR

Philippines – Time and experience shape dancers into artists, and for Katherine Barkman, San Francisco Ballet’s First Soloist, her homecoming to Ballet Manila is both a tribute to her roots and a testament to her growth. Returning to the stage where her professional journey began, she takes on the challenging dual role of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, alongside one of the ballet world’s most celebrated names: Esteban Hernández, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet.

First row (L-R) Ballet Manila company soloist Noah Esplana; principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames, Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Lynn Oliveiro; CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde; principal dancers Shaira May Comeros and Joshua Enciso; and soloist John Ralph Balagot,

Second row (L-R, via zoom) San Francisco Ballet company artist Nathaniel Remez, first soloist Katherine Barkman and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez

 

More than just a guest artist—Esteban Hernández is a phenomenon. A trailblazer from Guadalajara, Mexico, Esteban trained at The Royal Ballet School and rose to global acclaim for his technical brilliance and expressive storytelling. As a principal dancer of the San Francisco Ballet, he has captivated audiences worldwide. Filipino audiences first witnessed his charm and virtuosity as Basilio in Don Quixote 2023. Now, he returns in a role of royal gravitas—as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.

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.