50 Seasons of Ballet Philippines

The Cultural Center of the Philippines in year 1969. This is the home of Ballet Philippines for almost 50 years. Its artistic programs include the production of performances, festivals, exhibitions, cultural research, outreach, preservation, and publication of materials on Philippine art and culture.

An architectural masterpiece designed by National Artist for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin. He would later design many of the other buildings in the CCP Complex.

Ballet Philippines has done over 500 choreographic works, each painstakingly mastered to showcase Filipino talent, artistry and heritage. Its unparalleled repertoire is considered one of the best in Asia, which includes full-length classical ballets, neo- ethnic works and groundbreaking contemporary pieces.

Ballet Philippines began in 1969 with a vision for professionalizing dance in the Philippines. It is the first resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Since its founding, it has continuously strengthened its position as the leader in classical ballet and contemporary dance.

Alice Reyes is the visionary founder of Ballet Philippines who propelled the company into a national arts institution we can all be proud of.

In the Philippines, she established regular season concerts, professionalized dance as a career and played a major role in the phenomenal development of dance in the country.

Ballet Philippines opens the 50th Season with one of the most iconic classical ballets, Swan Lake. Choreographed to the music of Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky, this ballet masterpiece has been a staple in the repertoire of the company since 1978.

Dance greats from both the global and local talent pool have graced the sacred stage of the CCP Main Theater to essay roles in Ballet Philippines’ Swan Lake. In celebrating 50 stellar years, Ballet Philippines mounts a performance of Swan Lake that will feature stars from the Marinsky Ballet as well as exceptional homegrown company talents. Here is one show that will set the bar high for dance this ballet season.

The Genius of William Shakespeare’s inspires the performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream as reimagined by Carlo Pacis. This neo-classical take breathes magic to an enduring tale about young love and fate’s playful plot twists under the light of the moon.

To celebrate the holidays, Ballet Philippines is mounting the timeless tale of Cinderella as choreographed by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes. Musical score by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, which was specially arranged by Francisco Feliciano, will transport audiences to an enchanting universe. The design vision of National Artist Salvador Bernal adds dimension to this world where pumpkins turn into exquisite carriages and glass slippers find their way back to its rightful princess. Holidays at the theater make for unforgettable experiences especially when its with Ballet Philippines.

Each season, Ballet Philippines showcases its diverse and dynamic repertoire through an exciting mixed bill performance. Mixed bill shows highlight the company’s strength in a wide range of dance styles. This year, our mixed bill special presentation will tell the story of the company’s choreographic journey that has paved the way for innovation and artistic excellence since its founding in 1969.

The 50th season will end on a high note as four National Artists come together for the epic Rama Hari. Bienvenido Lumbera’s libretto, production design by Salvador Bernal, music by Ryan Cayabyab and choreography by Alice Reyes make Rama Hari one of the most spectacular shows in the Philippine theater. Witness the finest in dance, song and story-telling this season and join us as we close this extraordinary season.