Ballet Manila ends season with 'Lab Ko 'To'

MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Manila wraps up its 16th season with the ballet gala Lab Ko ‘To, a collection of world-premiere pieces by choreographers Max Luna III, Augustus Damian and Manuel Molina, combined with a classical favorite, Satanilla Pas De Deux (from The Venetian Carnival), and a touch of the exotic in Morions, an international award-winning piece by BM choreographer Gerardo Francisco.

Presented by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Aliw Theater and Bellarocca, Lab Ko ‘To goes onstage on Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., and on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

“Loyal fans of Ballet Manila always find something different in our end of season productions, as we usually come up with new and refreshing collaborations with various Filipino artists. This year, they can expect choreographies highlighting the manifold skills and talents of our ballerinas and danseurs,” says Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, the company’s artistic director and principal dancer.

“Alon ng Buwan” is Max Luna III’s modern piece that draws inspiration from the centuries-old Filipino dance form, pangalay. The featured seven pairs of dancers even took special sessions with indigenous Filipino dance expert, Raymund “Rama” Marcaida, just to get the hand gestures right.

Augustus Damian presents “The Last Poem,” a dance-drama where the dancer epitomizes athleticism but at the same time must project being sick and dying. “It is a fairly simple adagio, but needs the most sensitive of portrayals,” notes Macuja-Elizalde, who admits being brought to tears by this number several times during rehearsals.

Ballet Manila climaxes its 16th season with the ballet gala Lab Ko ‘To, a collection of world-premiere pieces by choreographers Max Luna III, Augustus Damian and Manuel Molina.

After his moving “Love Beyond Goodbye” set to Josh Groban’s magical voice last year, Manuel Molina now challenges Ballet Manila through Piazolla’s tangos in “Buenos Aires.”

Lab Ko ‘To has the Bank of Singapore and Star City as minor sponsors, with support from Island Rose and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits.

Tickets to Lab Ko ‘To are available at Ticketworld (891-9999; www.ticketworld.com.ph) and at SM Tickets (470-2222; www.smtickets.com). For inquiries, call Ballet Manila at 400-0292 or 525-5967, or e-mail info@balletmanila.com.ph.