Ballet Philippines’ celebrates 45th Sapphire Year Anniversary with the Blue Moon Series

For two weeks, Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier dance company celebrates its 45^th Sapphire Year Anniversary with the Blue Moon Series. The celebrations start with the repeat restaging of Giselle on September 19-21, 2014 that will feature on its gala, fundraising night guest artists Stella Abrera and James Whiteside from the American Ballet Theatre. A week later on September 26-27, 2014, the Blue Moon Gala takes place featuring BP’s masterworks and more and also the return of former BP principal dancer Candice Adea, now of the Hong Kong Ballet. Lastly on September 28, 2014, the Blue Moon Homecoming Gala showcases performances by dance schools here and abroad that were founded by BP alumni and former students. All of these shows will be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

American Ballet Theatre’s Stella Abrera and James Whiteside to dance in Giselle fundraising gala

BREAKING NEWS:
Dear friends who have bought tickets for tonight's Giselle. We are pushing through as scheduled. James Whiteside leaves for New York tomorrow morning due to an earlier commitment. It will be a pity not to watch them. However, some PPO members are stranded so we can't have the orchestra tonight. They are playing instead tomorrow. Pls pass EDSA to CCP. no floods there. Pagasa says rains leaving Manila at 8pm. Leave early. Come in any attire. Wear your boots if you have to wave the floods. We worked so hard to put this together. See you! - BP President Margie Moran Floirendo

September 19, 2014, 3:00 & 8:00 PM 3:00 PM show cancelled

September 20, 2014, 2:00 & 6:00 PM

September 21, 2014, 2:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

American Ballet Theatre’s Stella Abrera dances the title role in Giselle that kicks off Ballet Philippines’ Blue Moon Series. Abrera, along with her fellow ABT dancer, James Whiteside, will take to the stage as Giselle and Albrecht respectively for the one night only, fundraising gala happening on September 19, 2014, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Olivier Ochanine, will provide live music on this special night.

Stella Abrera

This romantic ballet restaged by Nonoy Froilan, after a successful run last season, returns once again this season for just one weekend. Aside from the guest artists from ABT, the show will also feature Ballet Philippines’ principal dancers Katherine Trofeo and Jean Marc Cordero, as well as newly promoted soloist Denise Parungao and junior principal dancer Earl John Arisola, reprising their roles during the other performances. This production also features stage/film/television actress Mailes Kanapi as Berthe, Giselle’s mother, with Nonoy Froilan and Butch Esperanza alternating as the Duke of Courland, as well as Carissa Adea, Richardson Yadao, Rita Angela Winder, Ma. Celina Dofitas, along with BP’s company members, apprentices, and scholars.

Giselle's Peasant Pas de deux with Monica Gana and Timothy Cabrera

During BP’s 44^th IllumiNATION Season, I had the opportunity to watch the opening night of Giselle with Carissa Adea and Richardson Yadao and I sang the praises for this top notch production. I welcome the opportunity to see this ballet (and go through the heartbreak of Giselle) and hear Adolphe Adam’s music once again.

Ballet Philippines’ favorites and more at the Blue Moon Gala

Aku with Jemima Reyes and Victor Maguad

September 26, 2014, 8:00 PM

September 27, 2014, 2:00 & 6:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

A week after wiping away tears from Giselle, it will be time to celebrate the favorite masterpieces (and more) that the Ballet Philippines has whipped up for the past 45 years at the Blue Moon Gala this September 26 & 27, 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

The dances included in the Blue Moon Gala are Je Tu Elle choreographed by Redha Benteifour, Farandole choreographed by George Birkadze, Salome choreographed by Agnes Locsin, Cold Song choreographed by Max Luna III, Bungkos Suite choreographed by Alice Reyes, Nocturne choreographed by Carlo Pacis, R/J choreographed by George Birkadze, For the Gods choreographed by Denisa Reyes and Songs of the Wayfarer choreographed by Norman Walker.

The Blue Moon Gala will also feature the return of former Ballet Philippines principal dancer Candice Adea. She and Shen Jie, her co-soloist at the Hong Kong Ballet, will perform the Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux which is considered as one of the most challenging duets in the classical repertoire.

The matinee show of the Blue Moon Gala will feature works included in the BP show Master Pieces that will tour the United States of America and Canada this October. The works to be performed are Aku choreographed by Alden Lugnasin, Halik choreographed by Paul Alexander Morales, After Whom choreographed by Augustus “Bam” Damian III, Moriones choreographed by Agnes Locsin, and Tambol at Padyak choreographed by Tony Fabella.

Alumni and students gather for Ballet Philippines’ Homecoming Gala

September 28, 2014, 2:00 & 6:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Highlighting the impact and legacy that Ballet Philippines’ has had for 45 years is the Homecoming Gala, a special event that will gather around 20 distinguished alumni along with over 200 students. This one time show, happening on September 28, 2014, 8:00 PM will feature dance schools based here and abroad that were founded by alumni and former students of Ballet Philippines.

The participating dance companies are Ecole De Ballet Manille, Seven Contemporary Dance Company, De La Salle Zobel Ballet Program, Portland Festival Ballet, Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation, Inc.; Edge N’ Pointe Dance Centre, Dance Theatre Arts, Locsin Dance Workshop, Tlg Ballet, Far Eastern University Dance Company, Maquiling Ballet, Effie Nañas Ballet, Airdance, Dancepull Project, Inc.; Garcia-Sanchez School Of Dance (Bacolod City); Perry Sevidal Ballet; Daloy Dance Company; Steps Dance Studio, Annie Divinagracia-Sartorio School Of Performing Arts (Iloilo City); and the CCP Dance School.

The distinguished alumni of the company is a who’s who in the Philippine dance scene and they include Eddie Elejar, Agnes Locsin, Effie Nañas, Perry Sevidal, Luther Perez, Eduardo Malagkit, Robert Medina, Dwight Rodrigazo, Georgette Sanchez, Annie Divinagracia-Sartorio, Annette Cruz-Mariano, Ela Rodriguez, Verna Fajilan-Brazil, Ryan Bautista, Brezhnev Larlar, Toni Lopez Gonzalez, Nina Anonas, Christine Crame, Ava Maureen Villanueva-Ong, Ea Torrado, and Sofia Zobel-Elizalde.

The Homecoming Gala promises to be a fitting end to Ballet Philippines’ Blue Moon Series as the biggest names in Philippine dance present their works encompassing various genres like classical ballet, contemporary, pop and ethno-modern.

Seated from left to right: Margie Moran-Floirendo, Stella Abrera, and Paul Morales
Standing from left to right: Katherine Trofeo, Nonoy Froilan, Denise Parungao,
and Gina Katigbak-Garcia

For inquiries:

Ballet Philippines 551-1003

CCP Box Office 832-3704

Ticketworld 891-9999