From September 13-15, 2024, Ballet Philippines (BP) brought the joy of ballet to the resilient city of Tacloban, Leyte. Despite overcast weather in both Manila and Tacloban, the BP team departed Manila in high spirits, eager to share the beauty of ballet with the people of Tacloban, a city that gained international attention in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Now fully recovered, Tacloban welcomed the Ballet Philippines dancers and team with open arms.
Upon arrival, BP dancers and staff visited Mr. Glenn Capucion, President of the Tingog Partylist, who expressed his gratitude for the company’s visit and their efforts to bring ballet to the region.
BP then performed at North Hill, where schoolchildren eagerly awaited their first glimpse of ballet. The dancers performed an excerpt from their most recent production, La Sylphide, followed by a ballet class that was
met with enthusiasm from the children. After the class, BP assisted in distributing backpacks filled with school supplies, bringing smiles to many young faces.
The day concluded with visits to Tacloban’s iconic sites, including the San Juanico Bridge and the Haiyan Memorial, where the team reflected on the city’s resilience and recovery.
The following day, BP held a ballet masterclass at the People’s Center for local ballet students. Students from all levels of dance, from Baby Ballet to Adult Ballet, enjoyed a truly uplifting ballet masterclass with our enthusiastic dancers.
Later in the afternoon, BP visited the Community of Hope in Palanog, where the children enjoyed another dance performance and class.
Afterward, BP dancers received a plaque of appreciation from local officials, recognizing their contributions to the community.
The heartfelt response from the Tacloban community was best captured by a representative from the office of Mr. Capucion, Ms. Rowena Young who remarked: “You didn’t just perform; you shared a piece of your heart with us. The passion and energy you brought were palpable, and the joy you inspired will stay with our community for a lifetime.“
BP dancers and staff left Tacloban with full hearts, knowing they had touched lives through the art of ballet.
