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Kuala Lumpur, 13 September 2024 – The Philippine Embassy, under the leadership of Ambassador Maria Angela Ponce, expressed pride and support for Ballet Manila during the gala night of “Ballet Manila’s Greatest Hits” on 06 September 2024 at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Center (PJPAC).
In her remarks, Ambassador Ponce congratulated Ballet Manila, led by CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, and emphasized the importance of the arts in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds between the Philippines and Malaysia, particularly as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
Ms. Lisa Macuja Elizalde, in her speech, conveyed her profound gratitude to all who supported the event, including the Embassy, led by Ambassador Ponce. She emphasized that the performance featured 16 of Malaysia's best ballet dancers to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia. Ms. Elizalde also acknowledged DanceLink Performing Arts, which was also the proponent of their first Malaysian tour in 2019. Ms. Macuja expressed pride in returning to Kuala Lumpur with a program that reflects remarkable diversity, beauty, and energy.
Ballet Manila is one of Southeast Asia’s leading ballet companies and it performed from 6 to 8 September 2024 at Stage 1 Theater, PJPAC, Malaysia, featuring Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s adaptation of the opera-ballet “La Traviata” and a mixed program of classical, modern, neoclassical, and contemporary choreographies. The performance included "Sayao sa Pamlang," a masterpiece by the distinguished choreographer and National Artist for Dance, Agnes Locsin. This piece featured several segments: Sagayan, a dance to ward off evil spirits; Pang-alay, which highlights the elegance of hand movements; Kzuduratan, which showcases a distinctive walking style; Kuntao, a martial arts-inspired dance; and Singkil, which illustrates a princess's escape from the perils of an earthquake. END
