Paloma Laforteza in pleated dress by Rajo Laurel (Photograph by Jo Ann Bitagcol)
As the world reemerges after the pandemic, Ballet Philippines marks its 53rd year by pushing boundaries. The new season, Dance Like No One Else Has, manifests the presence of Russian artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk after two seasons of online classes from overseas.
The new season begins this June with a video Dance Through Time about the evolution of Philippine dance, choreographed by Martynyuk. It can be previewed in the website balletph.
The glamorous gala returns in September with the classic Paquita, which highlights the Grand Pas Classique, a pas de deux of Paquita, a gypsy of noble birth, and Lucien, an officer, and the different variations showing the strengths of the soloist. Martynyuk’s version of Bolero is about dancers grappling for freedom in a pandemic restricted world.
Paloma Laforteza in one-shoulder striped gown by Noel Crisostomo (Photograph by Jo Ann Bitagcol)
Maisie Briones does an arabesque in Jojie Lloren terno. (Photograph by Jo Ann Bitagcol)
A new work choreographed by Martynyuk, Equus, which means “horse,” alludes to the hard work of dancers preparing for a show.
In December, Martynyuk’s version of the Nutcracker will be staged—the classic plot of Clara who receives a nutcracker that magically transforms into a Prince. They travel to the land of fantasy and sweets.
In keeping with BP’s DNA of promoting Filipino culture, Jose Rizal will be the subject of a new ballet in March 2023. It is the love story and martyrdom of the national hero as seen through the eyes of a foreigner, guest artist Joseph Philips.
BP recently collaborated with the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines for a fashion shoot with dancers. Model-turned-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol used slow shutter speed to create ethereal blurry images of dancers in movement.
