A fun mishmash of modern and classical ballet
Ballet Manila recently closed its 23rd
performance season with double header Deux—a fun mix of modern classical ballet
set to the tunes of The Beatles and Chopin, held at the Aliw Theater, CCP
Complex.
The first chapter of the show opened
with classical vignettes featuring “Les Sylphides” also known as “Chopiniana”
in Russia, a romantic white ballet that depicts a lone danseur (The Poet)
surrounded by his muses—white-clad sylphs or air spirits dancing in the
moonlight. While there is no plot, its lingering music by Frederic Chopin and
lyrical choreography by Michael Fokine evoke the illusion of ethereal
weightlessness which characterized the romantic era of ballet where technique
is the focal point, especially the intricate pointe work of ballerinas. Other
classical vignettes included Pas De Action and Diane et Acteon.
From this trance-like ambience, the
second chapter of the show highlights the thrilling contemporary
number of The Winding Road set to the tune of The Beatles. Choreographed by
Martin Lawrance, both young and old surely enjoyed The Beatles hits such as as
I Saw Her Standing There, Here, There and Everywhere, Something, The Long and
Winding Road, She Loves You, and many more!
“Our 23rd performance season has been a series of highs,
kicking off with Tour de Force and ending with our newest double header Deux,”
said Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. “We are very
thankful for everyone’s continuous support for Ballet Manila and we are very
thrilled to see everyone again on our 24th performance
season.”
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