AMERICAN BALLET THEATER IS BACK WITH CECILE LICAD AND STELLA ABRERA

campaign that celebrates culture through fashion, food, crafts and the performing arts. “This show is the perfect start, reflecting our intention to recognize Filipino talent – whether they are performers, artisans, designers, chefs and such,” says Christopher Maglanoc, Ayala Malls president.

The recognition and nurturing of Filipino talent is a shared mission of the ABT Studio Company and Ayala Foundation whose relationship has grown from strength to strength as they offer a sanctuary where young talents can be guided by passionate mentors. The ballet company under Sascha, who is directing the gala, has been at the forefront of developing the next generation of dancers, choreographers and audiences. Stella, who is now the acting artistic director of ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, continues to share her talent in partnership with the Ayala Foundation and STEPS. Aside from starring and helping direct the gala performance in 2018 and 2019, she returned to Manila in 2022 as a Youth Grand Prix (YGP) Philippines International Ambassador and Jury Chair. This year, she and Sascha will host masterclasses at STEPS in Makati and Ayala Center in Cebu.

Perhaps the greatest reward for the ABT partnership with Ayala Foundation is seeing how Elwince and Vince have fared. “To think Vince was thinking of quitting at one time, finding it difficult to balance academic studies and dance classes,” recalled Sofia. “But I told him I wouldn’t push him if I didn’t think he had the potential.” True enough, all the encouragement paid off and together with Elwince they are now independent with their own flats in New York and dancing with one of the world’s greatest ballet companies. Elwince even made it to Dance magazine’s “2023 List of Dancers to Watch,” citing how “It’s not every day that ABT casts an apprentice in a soloist role. And yet, as Elwince Magbitang soared through barrel turns, 540s, tours and other feats in the second act of Don Quixote last June, it was clear that the company was introducing its audiences to a virtuoso talent.”

Who would think that this CENTEX scholar from Tondo would reach such heights to bring pride to his country and inspiration for other young talents like him? It makes the homecoming of Vince and the coming show with Cecile Licad even more exciting and one that fellow dancers, practitioners and arts enthusiasts cannot wait to see.

Witness the return of the American Ballet Theater Studio Company with Cecile Licad on April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati in support of Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX program, co-presented by Patek Philippe and BPI Private Wealth, sponsored by Globe, and in cooperation with Seda Hotels, Philippine Airlines, and Pearl Farm. Tickets available at Ticketworld. For more information log on to www.ayalafoundation. org and www.ayalamalls.com Follow the authors on Instagram @rickytchitov; Twitter @RickyToledo23; Facebook - Ricky Toledo Chito Vijandre.