BALLET Manila’s Pearl Gala kicks off the Pearl Year that marks its 30th anniversary as professional performing company.

The gala will feature pieces that highlight the commitment to the highest standards of classical ballet based on the company’s Russian Vaganova roots, where artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde was schooled.

The 30th season will have performances on March 7, 8 and 9 at the Aliw Theater, consisting of three different suites – “Paquita,” “Bloom” and the world premiere of “Pearls,” choreographed by Lisa and British choreographer Martin Lawrence.

Restaged by Russian ballerina Tatiana Udalenkova in its purest form, “Paquita” will lead the line-up.

“When we were planning and brainstorming the repertoire for the Pearl Gala, we were trying to choose from 30 years of repertoire, it was not easy,” said Lisa. “But I really zeroed in on ‘Paquita’ because it was our first finale of Ballet Manila dances when we performed our first concert 30 years ago in 1995.

“So I think it was just fitting that we open the Pearl Gala with a performance of ‘Paquita,’ not just because of its historical impact of the company. It was also our way to show off our very strong female corps de ballet which Ballet Manila has been known for.

“It was also our way to show off our principal dancers and soloists in solo and group dances that are very classically-influenced. That is the forte of Ballet Manila. That is in our classical repertoire that remains our forte. It is a no-brainer to open with ‘Paquita’.”

For “Bloom,” that is the other way around. “Bloom” is a cutting-edge neo-classical piece by internationally acclaimed choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and highlights distinctly Asian traditions.

“It is a contemporary number that really showcases our very own dancers,” Lisa said. “And Ballet Manila is actually in a very unusual situation, where we have more male dancers in the company than female dancers, the usual aspect of the company.

“Bloom” by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa exported this ballet to the whole world. “Annabelle first choreographed ‘Bloom’ on Ballet Manila and brought the ballet to different parts of Europe and the Americas, particularly Cincinnati Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet among many other companies abroad where ‘Bloom’ has been performed. It showcases the contemporary style and very Filipino. Very diverse.”

The world premiere of “Pearls” took a longer time to “perculate,” according to Lisa. “At first, I wanted to showcase one of Tito Eric’s classical ballets, ‘Carmen.’ Then, I thought, let’s have something new. A world premiere that will also show that Ballet Manila is moving forward into the future, not just looking back in the past.”

“Pearls” is loosely inspired by Balanchine’s jewels, particularly the pearl. “In a ballet company, you have the corps de ballet, soloists, ballerinas, the principal dancers, the premiere dancers,” Lisa informed.

“All of those dancers are trained and the product of many, many years of actual experience dancing different roles onstage. What you see onstage is sort of different product of all these different layers of experience and the pearl is just like that. It’s a jewel that is created by many different layers that time creates and, in the end, results in this perfect jewel. That’s why it represents wisdom.”

The world premiere of “Pearls,” an original ballet by Lisa Macuja and Martin Lawrence, will cap the first three performances. Loosely inspired by George Balanchine’s “Jewels,” the ballet features dance vignettes inspired by white, champagne, black and pink pearls.

Within the Pearl anniversary, Lisa is looking at perfomimg “Swan Lake” again. “It is one of the most difficult roles for a ballerina,” said Lisa. “It has the dual roles of Odette, the white swan which demands very lyrical and soft movement as well as Odyll, the black swan, which is very seductive, quite sharp and fierce. I always call ‘Swan Lake’ a ‘schizophrenic’ ballet to perform because you suffer from schizophrenia afterwards.

“Not many companies are able to perform ‘Swan Lake.’ We are proud that Ballet Manila is one of the Asian ballet companies that can do it.”

The performances are on May 30, 31 and June 1 and “Swan Lake” will feature guest artists from the San Francisco Ballet — principal dancer Esteban Hernandez, soloist Catherine Barton plus company artist Nathaniel Nemes.

At the recent media launch of Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary at Shangri-La Plaza, executive vice president for retail and commercial and general manager of Shangri-La Plaza, Joy Polloso, is proud to be part of the momentous celebration.

Shangri-La Plaza has been the home for the arts. A place where culture thrives and creativity flourishes. Over the years, we also worked in enriching artistic experiences to our shoppers by celebrating music, film, fashion and the performing arts.

Last December, Shangri-La EDSA hosted Ballet Manila’s enchanted performance show, “Snow White” as part of its Christmas festivities. “That was a very spectacular showcase of talent, grace and storytelling captivating all audiences of all ages and making their experience for the holiday season at Shangri-La more magical,” said Joy.

“We are bringing farther this partnership with Ballet Manila in time for the celebration of the National Arts Month. There’s no other better time to shine the spotlight on Ballet Manila’s incredible 30-year journey.

“One that is marked by passion, perseverance and steadfast commitment to excellence, so we all know and honor that Ballet Manila is not just a dance company, but is a movement that has elevated Philippine ballet to the world stage, nurtured countless dancers, introduced original and classical Filipino productions to the new generations.

“At Shangri-La Plaza, we believe in creating spaces where art not only showcases but truly celebrates. This media launch is a testament to our shared vision of bringing inspiring performances closer to the public.

“Congratulations to Lisa Macuja Elizalde and the entire Ballet Manila family. We are truly honored to be part of this celebration and incredible milestone. We look forward to witnessing another season of breathtaking performances that will undoubtedly continue to inspire audiences and touch the soul. Shangri-La Plaza will always be a home for Ballet Manila and we are excited to the many more stories that you will tell through dance.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio