Divertissements: Twirling and swirling at the Marco Polo

CEBU, Philippines - A few days before the President gave his report on the state of the Republic, some members of Cebu society were treated to a welcome diversion (as the literal translation of the event’s title suggests) of one–act ballets at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu’s hotel of culture and heritage.

Presented by the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation in partnership with the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel and in association with the Philippine Pediatric Society – Central Visayas Chapter, Divertissements featuring the Metropolitan Ballet Theater showcases a ballet suite of loosely-connected dances, ‘a diverse program highlighting one-act ballets, classical excerpts and contemporary works.’

At helm of the Metropolitan Ballet Theater as its artistic consultant is the revered Madame Fe Sala- Villarica, a mentor and artist who has tirelessly devoted her life and talent to perpetuating the craft. Pausing for applause in between numbers, the audience was obviously delighted by the magical marriage of movement and music before them, a riveting performance by members of the MBT lead by its principal dancers—the Manlunas couple Sheila and Chris.

Asked what their favorite act was of the seven performed, Dondi and Corinne Joseph quickly answered: “The Tango Fuego.” Amparito Llamas-Lhuillier who looked exquisite in one of the extremely rare instances that she’s let her hair down also loved Tango Fuego, a unique fusion of ballet, contemporary dance, and tango. Mine has got to be the one with the graceful matadors—the “Danse Gitane Espagnole,” gypsy dances with a Spanish flavor, from the ballet “Paquita,” with fresh original choreography.

One thing I can never do is dance, so it’s always quite the adventure watching ballerinas glide through the stage with grace and precision. However, unlike my utter and appalling lack of talent in the performing arts, my more gifted sister Bianca who takes after our Lopez side of the family actually trained under the tutelage of Madame Villarica at the Balletcenter. Now her daughter Arabella “Arya” Lopez Celdran—at a little over one year old—already knows how to position herself when told to plié, and tiptoes and raises her arms when her mama says ‘let’s do the ballet, Arya!’ I can only envisage them performing a mother and daughter ballet number when my niece is old enough. Ahhh, the ripples of hope Madame Villarica doesn’t know she’s caused.  

The event at the Marco Polo was Divertissements’ gala performance; the forthcoming matinee is set in the afternoon of August 31st at the Ayala Theater of the Performing Arts (On Stage Cinema 1).  (FREEMAN)