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The theater erupted in thunderous applause as the ultimate notes of Raul Sunico’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” crammed the corridor, signaling the tip of a ballet that stirred nostalgia and laughter, and left the viewers deeply moved.
On stage, dancers of the Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) had simply delivered to life the lyrics of Jose Marie Chan and Raul Sunico’s music, reworking teleserye classics right into a second of pure artistry.
It was ballet. On pointe. And undeniably Filipino.
“The thrust of PBT has all the time been to achieve new audiences with Filipino tales,” Erica Marquez Jacinto, former PBT dancer and senior vp – operations of Virjen Group of Firms, informed Rappler.
“That’s why we’re combining ballet with one thing relatable and letting individuals expertise it by way of one thing acquainted.”
Jacinto stated the growth in teleseryes (TV collection) in recent times impressed PBT to introduce a repertoire that revolves round teleseryes, one thing that feels elevated however relatable.
“Everybody watches teleseryes — from common households to the elite,” Jacinto stated, including that the exhibits’ robust storylines — love triangles, heartbreak, old flame — are issues that folks join with simply.
“By pairing OPM (Unique Pilipino Music) with ballet, we give audiences an opportunity to understand the music otherwise,” Jacinto defined. “When individuals hear it, they recall the teleserye, the storyline, and their very own feelings when watching the present. That familiarity makes ballet extra relatable.”
The end result was a fusion the place pointe sneakers meet jeepneys, pas de deux mirror love triangles, and the beloved songs by Chan and Sunico tackle new life.
It was from this concept that the Music in Movement manufacturing was born. Choreographed pre-pandemic and premiered in 2023, the repertoire has been carried out throughout the Philippines and overseas since. Just lately, the corporate showcased the ballet for a pre-opening efficiency on the new Proscenium Theater in Rockwell.
Balancing custom and innovation
For PBT, the objective was clear: Inform Filipino tales by way of ballet — making them relatable, inspiring, but world-class.
“By combining custom with innovation, we rejoice who we’re whereas exhibiting the world the richness of Filipino artistry,” Jacinto stated.
However how is PBT balancing custom and innovation?
“By following a transparent method: one full-length Filipino ballet, one classical ballet, restored choreographies (native and overseas), and a touring repertoire,” Jacinto defined. “For instance, final 12 months we staged Sarimanok (a full Filipino ballet), The Nutcracker, and Music in Movement. This 12 months we’ve finished Merry Widow and Maria Makiling.”
Jacinto shared that this stability ensures PBT preserves classical excellence whereas creating uniquely Filipino materials. “It’s additionally why PBT was named the official nationwide ballet firm for 2025-2029,” she added.
Undertake a dancer
Past the stage, PBT can be investing within the subsequent technology of dancers. Jacinto stated the corporate holds annual auditions for students and apprentices. Some are seasonal — educated particularly for sure productions.
Ballet is a demanding artwork type, and Jacinto stated that for a lot of dancers, the price of coaching, pointe sneakers, and each day requirements could be overwhelming.
Funding is the most important problem in Philippine ballet corporations, she shared.
“Pointe sneakers price P6,000-P11,000 per pair, and dancers undergo one or two pairs a month,” Jacinto stated, including that costumes can price P5,000-P10,000 every and staging a single manufacturing run into the hundreds of thousands.
To bridge this hole, PBT launched its “Undertake a Dancer” program, inviting patrons to sponsor a dancer immediately.
“Each donation helps cowl necessities like pointe sneakers and allowances,” Jacinto defined. “It additionally provides the dancers motivation, figuring out somebody on the market believes in them.”
For the artists, that help goes past monetary aid. It means getting into rehearsals and performances with a deeper sense of objective, figuring out their journey is shared by somebody who values their craft.
For sponsors, it provides a uncommon intimacy with the world of ballet — a chance to see their help take flight on stage, in each leap and pirouette.
What makes this system particularly significant is the non-public connection it fosters, in accordance with Jacinto, who shared that she was as soon as part of the “Undertake a Dancer” program.
Past monetary help, this system displays PBT’s broader mission of sustaining classical excellence whereas nurturing Filipino identification in ballet.
It’s a manner of making certain that the subsequent technology of dancers, Jacinto stated, can proceed telling Filipino tales on stage — with out being restricted by financial challenges. – Rappler.com
PBT is lively on Fb, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok the place it broadcasts auditions and applications on the social media platforms.
Joyce Abaño is a enterprise author for a Center East publication and a lover of the humanities. When she is just not monitoring the inventory market or overlaying summits, she reads, attends ballet lessons or practices a few of her outdated piano items.
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