POP MEETS BALLET
Philippine Ballet Theater celebrates 29 years with an anniversary show featuring opera stars and the finalists of The Voice Philippines
Philippine Ballet Theater celebrates 29 years with an anniversary show featuring opera stars and the finalists of The Voice Philippines
In the 29 years Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) has been in existence, this Saturday, Sept. 26, will mark the first time a ballet company performs on stage with opera stars alongside finalists from highly acclaimed The Voice Philippines, an interesting mix indeed.
PBT’s cofounder Julie Borromeo smiles at the fact that this will be “...the first time that our ballet company is collaborating with opera stars and The Voice stars in a concert style production. Approaching our 30th year, we have a lot to celebrate—and to reflect on. PBT is excited to spread its wings as it glides to the horizon of its future, and wants to bring the PBT family together in the process. We’re thankful for the opportunity to have helped those who became a part of our institution and left us to continue onward and upward.”
But there will be as much looking backward as looking forward, upward, and onward. “We want to get back to the roots of our original goal, which was to widen the appreciation of our ballet art form while keeping it entertaining, meaningful, and relevant to our lives,” says Sylvia Lichuaco-De Leon, PBT’s current president. “Art after all—in all its forms—is truly a reflection of who we are and how we view ourselves. With this reminder, our board of trustees and directors does everything possible to keep opportunity open to our youth passionate and motivated to excel along this career path.” Dancing in One Voice was conceptualized by PBT’s cofounder
Julie Borromeo and Timmy Pavino, pop balladeer, former finalist of The Voice Philippines, and a rising star himself. The idea behind Dancing in One Voice was to give artists from different fields an opportunity to come together and give light to the quiet unsung heroes at PBT, the instructors, the producers, the choreographers, and of course the dancers, who continue their commitment to supporting youth in the performing arts. “As fellow performers, we can totally relate to their dedication to the craft. And by coming together during this show, we show our solidarity and support, and hope our audiences come to appreciate them just as we do,” explains Timmy.
Lisa Kircher Lumbao, PBT’s vice president, shares her excitement, “I love the idea of having finalists from The Voice Philippines performing onstage with our dancers. This should be fun!”
Dancing in One Voice premieres at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater for a limited run of only two performances, Sept 26 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Tickets are also limited, and are at a “first come, first served” basis at R1,500 for premium seating (box and front-center orchestra), R100 affordably priced for students and a range of prices in between to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets.