Dance, Dance, Dance! A Mix of Ballet and Modern Dance
It’s been days, but I can still feel how magical and whimsical it was to watch Concert at the Park’s ballet concert entitled, “Dance, Dance, Dance,” at the Open Air Auditorium, Rizal Park.
The show was part of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s birthday month celebration, which gathered two big ballet schools, the Ballet Repertory Philippines and Ballet Dance Academy, to perform on one stage for one night.
The program showcased mixed performances of classical ballet and hip hop dances. The colorful costumes and graceful movements of the dancers brought back memories of my childhood – my once dream of being Barbie-like in tutus and ballet shoes.
Throughout the night, the audience was captured by each number, giving loud claps and happy cheers as, one by one, the ballerinas shone in their own stunning moments.
I got to chat with Ballet Repertory Philippines’ directress, Ms. Amelia Garcia-Yulo for a few minutes. Being a ballet teacher for 50 years now, she shared that her love for this craft started when her mother convinced her to try ballet and, as they say, the rest is history.
Performing in Luneta Park for four times already, I learned that this collaboration of their school with the Rizal Park came about because of two things: first, they are a premier ballet school with a great reputation. In fact, they are the first ballet school to dance accompanied by a band and conducted by National Artist, Maestro Lucio San Pedro (wow!). Secondly, Ms. Amelia is actually related to Dr. Rizal herself, with him being her great, great grandfather.
She also encourages the youth to dance ballet for two major reasons: it’s good for the health and it’s good for your posture.
All in all, she just wants people to enjoy and appreciate ballet the same way she has learned to love it.
As the program came to a close, I think the dance concert hit their target: to bring the beauty of ballet to our fellow kababayans. I saw faces in smiles and awe as the dancers took their final bow.
Photos by the National Parks Development Committee.
