A kingdom waits, a princess sleeps, and a curse lingers until love breaks through. This March, Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season with Sleeping Beauty, the final offering of the Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can experience Aurora’s journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and on March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. All performances will feature the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov,
The stories of fairy-tale princesses have been told across generations, and with Ballet Manila’s adaptation, they are brought to life through dance. With every leap and turn, the company has embodied the grace, innocence and gentleness of the beloved princesses. Making this season’s Sleeping Beauty special is the fact that it will be directed and choreographed by no less than Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde.
For Lisa, the finale is a moment of delight: “What excites me in this production is how Sleeping Beauty finally completes our Princess Trilogy. It feels like all the stories we’ve been telling are coming together in one magical universe.”
She also enthused on special appearances of the other princesses in Sleeping Beauty , “In this iteration of Sleeping Beauty, Aurora will be joined by Cinderella and Snow White on stage, so it’s really fun to think about having them together in the stage”.
The conclusion of the Princess Trilogy also comes at a meaningful time. The Manila Symphony Orchestra quietly marks its centennial year, a reminder of how music and dance have stood together in shaping Philippine culture.” It is such a delight that we are performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, playing the original music of Tchaikovsky makes it even more special and I look forward to sharing this with everyone.” said Lisa.
Manila Symphony Orchestra president Maan Hontiveros reflects on the collaboration, noting this milestone reminds us that music feeds the soul, and when joined with ballet, it creates a legacy that endures.
“Lisa has been a steadfast supporter of the orchestra, and her vision has helped bring this partnership to life in ways that honor both tradition and innovation.” said Hontiveros.
While Ballet Manila has been collaborating with Manila Symphony Orchestra since 2011, their support for each other never waned: “Lisa has always been in the life of Manila Symphony Orchestra. While there was a hiatus during the pandemic, it was very timely that we’re back doing a joint performance once again as we celebrate our 100th year. We’re grateful to Lisa and Fred (Elizalde) who are ever-present in our performances.”
The Princess Trilogy’s finale with Sleeping Beauty marks not only the completion of Ballet Manila’s ambitious storytelling arc but also a celebration of collaboration between dance and live music. As the curtain falls, audiences are invited to witness how ballet and orchestra together continue to shape the cultural stage of the Philippines with artistry that endures.
Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph
