I would bet my life that most women, if not all, have had nutcracker dreams and fantasized about wearing tutus in a decorated stage as a Prima Ballerina. Ballerinas are what defined little girls’ childhood fantasies and aspirations! The elegance and gracefulness of a dancer in exquisite garb is horribly painful to deny.

Who doesn’t know the divine spectacle that is Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, the first Filipino Prima Ballerina who brought honor and respect to the country in the world of culture and dance?

Related Article: Prima Ballerina Liza Elizalde-Macuja Now Teaches Ballet

As the first foreigner soloist to join the Kirov Ballet, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has made a name for herself as a talented world-class performer. Naturally gifted in the art of dance, she harnessed her talent and passion through the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, the rock by which her long and fruitful career stands today.

Though she’s stopped performing full time, her love for ballet and dance lives vicariously through the esteemed dance company, Ballet Manila, where she serves as an Artistic Director. Ballet Manila was built on their vision of bringing ballet closer to the people and the people closer to ballet. As the only ballet school in the Philippines with direct links to the Russian ballet Academy of St. Petersburg, Russia, the school has earned praise and admiration for teaching the rigorous Vaganova Academy method of dance, a highly revered standard of style in classical ballet.

The school has produced some of the most successful classic ballet dancers in the country mentored by a faculty of Vaganova-style trained dancers, who are considered to be the creme de la creme. With its astounding credentials, ballet and dance enthusiasts of all ages clamored for the school in Pasay and, thankfully, it has just opened its doors to cater to those located in the northern parts of Manila. Yay!

Their different courses range from creative movement for toddlers (ages 2-3) to refresher classes (for ages 16 and up with substantial past training and want to rekindle their past love). They also have Ballet for Fitness and Yoga and conditioning classes for those with absolutely no background and want to learn it for a fun take on exercise.

As a frustrated ballerina, this is more than just good news; this is a dream come true! There’s nothing more empowering than having the ability to chase your dreams even when you may think you’re aged and rusty. Ballet Manila has made that possible. It’s never too late to follow your passion and you’re never too old to feel giddy in meeting your childhood heroine!

Ballet Manila officially opened earlier this August in Fisher Mall, Quezon City.

Join me and enroll in your first or long overdue ballet class today!

All photos by Luther Abcede

 

Ballet Manila

Branches:
1915 Donada Street, Pasay City
4F Fisher Mall, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

www.balletmanila.com.ph
info@balletmanila.com.ph

Contact: 400-0292 |525-5967
Facebook: facebook.com/Ballet-Manila
Instagram: @balletmanila
Twitter: @balletmanila