An intimate chat...

An intimate chat with Fil-Am ballet dancer Stella Abrera

Here's an exclusive, intimate behind-thescene chat with Stella Abrera, the first FilipinoAmerican to have gained the highest position of principal dancer in American Ballet Theater (ABT).

Abrera is in Manila for the twonight benefit and homecoming show “An Intimate Evening with Stella Abrera and American Ballet Stars” held April 6 and 7, 2018, at Maybank Theater, Bonifacio Global City.

Stella’s visit was made possible by Steps Dance Studio founder Sofia Zobel Elizalde, whom she met in New York a few years back. To make Abrera’s visit special, Elizalde partnered with RuelMaranan, president of Ayala Foundation, which is incidentally celebrating the 20th anniversary of its flagship education program Centex Program (Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education). Abrera's visit isn’t just about ballet, or homecoming, it’s also about helping these kids reach their dreams through education.

“There’s always an extra element of meaning for me when I perform here in the Philippines. It’s also my home, a place of my heritage. To perform here is very special to me,” Abrera said. “And it really warms all of our hearts to see that we can help the Centex students with their education, somehow aid them to follow their dreams. It gives me great pride to be able to contribute to that.”

Stella was joined by top American ballet stars, her best friends, Gillian Murphy, Isabella Boylston, Blaine Hoven, Roman Zhurbin, Arron Scott, Jose Sebastian, Catherine Hurlin, and Joowon Ahn.

Scan the QR code or turn to page E1 to read the full story.