Pilar Gonzalez of Lifestyle Asia, shares her thoughts on “Ang Panaginip,” Ballet Philippines’ full-length Filipiniana ballet that closed its 55th season, saying that the performance was “an ethereal spectacle of choreography paired with brilliant Filipiniana costuming,” with the production’s seamless blend of movement, music, and cultural storytelling. Furthermore, for Gonzalez, “the choreography was front and center,” flowing between moments of delicate grace and powerful intensity, perfectly in sync with Glen Aquias’ grand orchestral score. Meanwhile, designer Jor-el Espina’s costumes were a big highlight, crafted from indigenous Filipino textiles, added another layer of artistry, transforming the dancers into living embodiments of Philippine heritage.
A Moving Testament to Independence and Inner Strength
Beyond its visual and technical brilliance, Gonzalez captured the ballet’s deeper narrative of empowerment and self-discovery. Following 18 princesses—each representing a region of the Philippines—as they longed for freedom beyond their palace walls, the eldest sister, Matalino, led them to a hidden world where they could dance without restriction, a powerful metaphor for breaking free from societal expectations. Yet, their mother, the Queen, symbolized both protection and the weight of tradition, embodying the complexities that many women face in balancing personal dreams with external pressures.
Redefining Fairytales: Celebrating Filipina Strength Through Dance
In reflecting on the ballet’s significance, Gonzalez narrates the librettist Mawi Fojas de Ocampo’s insights. Through an exclusive interview with Gonzalez, De Ocampo explained that “Ang Panaginip,” premiering during Women’s Month, was designed to challenge conventional fairytales and celebrate the strength of Filipinas. Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein further reinforced this idea, noting how the production mirrored real-life struggles and triumphs of women carving their own paths in society.“Ang Panaginip” was more than just a mesmerizing ballet—it was a statement on identity, resilience, and the power of choice. As the final act concluded and the dancers took their bows, they left the theater with a renewed appreciation for ballet as not just an art form, but a medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and social change. Read Pilar Gonzalez’s take on “Ang Panaginip” in Lifestyle Asia here.
