Sun.Star Cebu

Online ballet classes ongoing

- CHINGGAY V. UTZURRUM r_utzurrum@yahoo.com

Now here’s real good news for Cebu! Gregory Aaron (Mr. A), co-artistic director of Balletcent­er-Cebu, had the distinctio­n of being recently invited to conduct a Teacher’s Course for the esteemed organizati­on ABAP.

ABAP has a membership base composed of talented personalit­ies, with the following officers: president Jonathan Terry, vice president Noemi Onglengco Silangcruz, secretary Pam Ramos and public relations officer Nida Pangan.

The Associatio­n of Ballet Academies Philippine­s (Abap), founded in 1993, has been at the forefront in the developmen­t of dance in its various forms through its affiliated members around the country. Abap has gained ground in the upgrading of classical ballet education through workshops, performanc­es, tours, competitio­ns and other related activities. As the country’s longest and only existing organizati­on of dance conservato­ries, its objective is to strive toward the highest standards of teaching and uphold the dignity and ethics that form the backbone of Abap’s core values.

Mr. A and Nicolas Pacaña (Tito Nico) were first invited to teach, choreograp­h and perform for Balletcent­er 20 years ago during the center’s 50th anniversar­y. Since becoming the artistic directors in 2006, both have built on the classical repertoire while injecting vital contempora­ry molds into the mainstream of dance.

Further, they have heralded bringing students to ballet competitio­ns in Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong and Vienna. The superior training has afforded some students positions now training in Germany, France and Spain.

When Mr. A was first requested to teach in Abap, he was thrilled to be able to share his knowledge from his teachers and directors, namely Rudolph Nureyev (internatio­nal ballet star), Violette Verdy (principal dancer of the New York City Ballet), Ben Stevenson (artistic director of Houston Ballet) and James Canfield (artistic director of Oregon Ballet Theatre).

Mr. A and Tito Nico pride themselves on illuminati­ng the ways and means to experience the beauty of being a dancer. Detailed America Grand Prix explanatio­ns and demonstrat­ions will be shared by Mr. A on how the step was taught by the greats in the ballet world.

Ongoing at Balletcent­er Cebu are online classes from ages 3 to 103, beginner to advanced.

The center, located at Suite 302, Ayala Center Cebu, is the home for aspiring dancers in Cebu City. Students of all ages and abilities are accepted into the program as well as aspirants from all walks of life.

The center prides itself in assisting these students in attaining their dreams of becoming a great dancer someday.

Call (032) 232-2958 or message through facebook.com/balletcent­erofcebu for inquiries.

 ??  ?? GREGORY AARON (left) with online learners.
GREGORY AARON (left) with online learners.
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 ??  ?? PRINCIPAL DANCER Cheron Kishes Ko at Balletcent­er’s The Nutcracker (2018).
PRINCIPAL DANCER Cheron Kishes Ko at Balletcent­er’s The Nutcracker (2018).
 ??  ?? EUNICE KRISTIANNE MOLLENO at the Youth
EUNICE KRISTIANNE MOLLENO at the Youth

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