Lisa Macuja-Elizalde Debuts First Full-Length Choreography with Ballet Manila’s Cinderella
The country’s premier classical dance company, Ballet Manila, marks another milestone this season as it debuts another original production—Cinderella.
A production that combines theatrical comedic elements, modern live special effects, and romantic classical scores, Ballet Manila’s version of Cinderella puts a lighter comical spin on the well-loved classic, whilst keeping intact all the elements that make it so magical.
“Modern, witty, romantic, very funny, but still every bit magical. It’s Cinderella as you’ve never seen before,” shares Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. “I want to create a ballet that appeals to all audiences. I want it to be a really light and happy ballet where kids will laugh out loud and the grownups will have a great time listening to children’s laughter. I also want the romance and magic of this story to come to life and make the audience remember the power of love.”
Set to be staged on November 25, 26 and December 3 at 8:00 p.m. and November 27 and December 4 at 3:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater, the ballet marks an important milestone for Ballet Manila, the Philippines, and the ballet world, as it sees the first major choreographic work of prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde go on stage.
“I have always focused on the technicalities behind every show we do; making sure that the ballerinas and danseurs get all the right movements, that their bodies’ angles are precise so that they don’t injure themselves, and that every move they do go with the rhythm of the music. This has always hindered me from doing much choreography. However, for this one, I really made time to make sure we put together a ballet that is world class. When I actually started creating the choreography, Osias said that I looked so on fire in rehearsals that he decided to let me run with it– giving me the opportunity to run the show.”
“It took time. But to be honest, I had such a ball choreographing this ballet. We know what we wanted from the very beginning, and that is to create a magical experience that’s light and entertaining,” Elizalde adds.
In addition to seeing the first major choreographic work of the country’s most celebrated prima ballerina, audiences should also look forward to the many magical moments that Ballet Manila has infused in its production of Cinderella. Included in these scenes to watch out for is the transformation of Cinderella, which called for Ballet Manila to tap international live special effects specialists to create. There is also the Spring Ball, which according to Lisa, will be “everything a royal ball should be”.
“I wanted to tell the story of Cinderella and make the audience laugh and love. What better way to celebrate Christmas?”
Congratulations to Ms. LisaMacuja-Elizalde and the cast of Cinderella by Ballet Manila for the over the top performance! The set was brilliant and the play, very well directed. I honestly never thought I could drag my boys to a ballet show without them dozing off on me. Haha! 😂 My son had the time of his life, that I had to ask him several times to keep his voice down (he roared in laughter half the time). Fun, from start to finish!
To learn more about it and other upcoming Ballet Manila shows, including ticket prices and schedules, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or follow Ballet Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tickets are also available through all Ticketworld outlets. Please call 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph, for more information.
