Arts & Culture
Vivid movements and heart-
warming moments, with Ballet
Manila’s Cinderella
F
airy tales have that lasting im-
print for everybody—be it young
or old. They have that magic
that recaptures those old days
of storytelling while at the same
time, capturing vivid movements
and heartwarming moments via
music and dance.
What special way is there to
relive those childhood memories and celebrate the
triumphs of life amidst all adversities than by Cin-
derella, Ballet Manila’s pre-Yuletide presentation,
that had its debut last November 24 and Decem-
ber 1 with evening presentations and with mati-
nees last November 25 and December 2 at the Aliw
Theatre at CCP Complex?
fairy tale ballet; Macuja-Elizalde artfully fused the Prokofiev score with
melodies of Oscar Wallace from the animated film and popular tunes from
the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical strung together with original sec-
tions by composer/musical arranger Roy del Valle.
“Indeed, Cinderella will make everyone in the audience swoon to the
mesmerizing power of love! ”Ms. Macuja-Elizalde proudly noted. “It’s a
presentation that is modern but familiar, witty and comedic, a bit senti-
mental yet absolutely delightful! It is a really light and happy ballet where
kids and grownups alike will laugh out loud.”
Many of us may dismiss Cinderella as a feel-good presentation that
reminds us to keep on dreaming and making these dreams come true.
Making this presentation extra special was the return of this fabled
dance-music spectacle choreographed by no less than the country’s
acclaimed ‘storyteller on toes,’ Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. It also highlights
the talents of some of Ballet Manila’s principal ballerinas Abigail Oliveiro
and Joan Emery Sia who alternate the title role of the maltreated but
kind-hearted girl who transforms herself into a princess, with her dash-
ing Prince Charming being billed by principal danseur Rudy de Dios and
soloist Mark Sumaylo. Portraying the enchanted Fairy Godmother was
Kong Ke Xin, with John Balagot as the conniving stepmother. The equally
wicked stepsisters were portrayed alternatively by Jasmine Pia Dames,
Rissa May Camaclang, Nicole Barroso and Emma Harris.
Eclecticism was another high point in the selection of the music for this
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But what makes these dreams
much more challenging—as well
as exciting—is that life is full of
trials that can be transformed into
triumphs. And just like the forces
of darkness that we all do face,
there are also those inspiring mo-
ments when we experience light,
that paves the way for something
better—and brighter.
It is not the dream-like images
and setting of fairy tale per se that
makes us want to retell it; what
equally counts most is the way the
power of music and dance moves
us to feel the essence of Cinderella
even in real life!
www.cultural-
center.gov.ph