Tag: DavaoBalletBrigade

Ballet Philippines, one of Asia’s foremost dance companies, continues its intense and focused outreach program, this time by participating in the Mindanao Art Fair. As they move to the southern tip of the Philippines, the company embarks on an inspiring journey of collaboration, cultural exchange, and exploration.

Exploring Mindanao’s Dance Movements

As part of their participation, the company is diving into Mindanao’s unique dance traditions, enriching their artistic vocabulary. By connecting with local dancers and learning from indigenous practices, Ballet Philippines strengthens their ties to Filipino culture while expanding the reach of ballet.

Meeting the Tagabawa Community in Digos

One of the most meaningful parts of their trip is meeting the Tagabawa community. Ballet Philippines recognizes the deep roots of dance in this community’s traditions and its role in reflecting social issues. Learning directly from the Tagabawa people, the company gains insight into how dance can carry messages of both resilience and transformation.

A Visit to Lake Sebu

Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director, Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk, along with dancers Anthony Balucay and Eduardson Evangelio, recently participated in a meaningful cultural immersion in Lake Sebu. They explored the rich heritage of the T’boli people by visiting significant sites, including the Lang Dulay Weaving Center, Bundos Fara’s T’boli Brass Casting shop, and The Lake Sebu School of Living Traditions. Through this experience, they gained a deeper understanding of T’boli culture, witnessing firsthand the beauty of T’boli music, dance, intricate textile weaving, and brass casting.

Honoring the Legacy of the Rano Massacre Survivors

In a deeply emotional exchange, the company is also listening to the stories of survivors of the 1989 Rano Massacre, reflecting on how the arts can memorialize and heal. This marks a significant moment where Ballet Philippines uses dance not just as art, but as a medium for empathy and discourse.

Empowering the Next Generation

BP’s visit concludes with a workshop at Davao City National High School, inspiring Mindanao’s youth to stay grounded in their cultural heritage while pursuing their creative passions. By nurturing these young talents, Ballet Philippines fosters a new wave of creatives who will carry their community’s stories forward.

Ballet Philippines’ participation in Mindanao Art symbolizes more than just a performance—it’s a powerful act of cultural connection and storytelling. The company’s dedication to embracing local traditions, while pushing artistic boundaries, makes them a force for uniting the nation through dance. These outreach programs are where the heart of Ballet Philippines truly beats!

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.