Ballet Philippines on a journey of love
Ballet Philippines closed its 56th season with Paglalakbay: The Journey of the Sea People, a new full-length work staged at The Theatre at Solaire. The production reflects the company’s push to bring Filipino stories to the forefront of classical dance.
Inspired by Austronesian migration, the ballet follows Ama and Kaman in Batanes, tracing a story of love, separation, and the search for home. Under artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk, the choreography blends classical technique with movement shaped by environment — grounded, direct, and responsive to the rhythms of land and sea. The libretto by Sheree Chua keeps the narrative clear and personal, framing migration as both history and lived experience. Meanwhile, visual artist Leeroy New transformed the stage into a kinetic landscape — textured, immersive, and unmistakably local, built from research rooted in Batanes itself.
Beyond the production itself, Ballet Philippines continues to expand its reach with the BP Barangay Brigade. Its Share the Magic program brings public school students to performances, while initiatives for uniformed personnel and partnerships with local governments extend access to wider communities.
According to Ballet Philippines’ Maymay Liechtenstein, Paglalakbay represents a clear investment in original Filipino work. Well-received for its storytelling and design, the ballet closes the season on a strong, focused note — proof that local narratives can carry the scale and structure of classical ballet without losing their identity.
