CEBU, Philippines — The name Fe Sala Villarica readily educes respect and admiration from those who know what the grand lady was about.
She established the pioneering ballet school in southern Philippines, her Balletcenter. She put it up, knowing that the best way to appreciate ballet or any of the arts, for that matter, is to participate in it. For over half a century, the school had produced world-class ballet artists, some of them becoming prominent members of famous ballet companies around the world, the others having started their own dance companies.
In her youth, Madame Fe herself trained under the best ballet teachers here and abroad. She had attended extensive ballet trainings and workshops in the U.S., Russia and Canada. “It is a misconception,” Madame Fe once said, “that dancing is purely a gift, something one is born with.” Although she was quick to add, “Well, in some cases, it is.” She was undoubtedly an example of both.