THE MEN & WOMEN OF BALLET PHILIPPINES
Friday, May 18th, 2007
THE MEN & WOMEN OF BALLET PHILIPPINES
(August 2005)
I just saw my first run-through rehearsal of BP’s MEN & WOMEN. No words can describe how much these dancers moved me. The last time I saw Alden Lugnasin’s piece for this show the hair stood on my arms. This time I was left speechless, emotional, on the brink of tears after the show.
The dancers poured their hearts and souls into this rehearsal. Choreography by Augustus Damian III, Enrico Labayen , and Alden Lugnasin, was beautiful, riveting, exciting, and sexy. What struck me the most were the dancers’ commitment to their craft. Movements were flawless and all steps executed with the utmost precision and raw emotion.
This is not your typical ballet. Both, the music and choreography, contemporary. Naked emotions and bodies (to a certain degree). Women dancing in stilettos and determined to persevere. Men strong willed and physically fit . Men & Women is about the battle of the sexes. You tell me who is actually stronger?
At this point, I am not just here to tell you to catch a great show. You will learn, you will be proud to be a Filipino, because what I saw tonight was a group of bright and selfless Filipinos who worked so hard to keep their act together to create even a better production. We did not loose any dancers to Hong Kong Disney. They are here.. Bolder, sexier, edgier and strong as always. When you forget yourself and work toward a common goal, things will be accomplished.
It would be redundant of me to go on and on about the excellence of Ballet Philippines. I just wish all of you really knew this. Nor can I find the words to describe the experience of watching Men & Women. Foreigners from the USA and Europe watched the rehearsal stunned w mouths agape. One American said, "I never expected to see something like this in the Philippines!"
We open on Aug 5 to 7,2005 at CCP main theater. Please call 551 1003 for tickets or more info. I really hope to see you all there.
BALLET PHILIPPINES - THE LEADING ASIAN DANCE COMPANY BRIMMING WITH NATIONAL PRIDE AND UNIVERSAL APPEAL. DANCE IS OUR TOOL AND LANGUAGE FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION.
Maritina Romulo- Trustee Ballet Philippines
August 2005
From Left to Right: Razel Estrella, Gil Ravago, Mikaela Padilla, Hanedy Sala, Carissa Adea, Camille Ordinario, Michael Divinagracia, Ramcy Cortista, Candice Adea, Mica Bernas, Marc Angel Gabriel, Rhea Dumdum, Biag Gaongen
THE BALLET PHILIPPINES COMPANY DANCERS 2005
