Dancing with the Stars
The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company returns to the Philippines with the celebrated pianist Cecile Licad and former ABT principal dancer Stella Abrera
This month, a series of shows and workshops are lined up to benefit Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX programme. The ABT Studio Company will perform in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, with special performances from acclaimed pianist Cecile Licad. These productions are meant to showcase worldclass talent and inspire young people in the arts.
The series of shows will kick off with a gala night on April 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. The opening will be followed by public performances at Ayala Center Cebu and Ayala Malls Abreeza on April 22nd and 23rd, respectively. Stella Abrera, former ABT principal dancer and now acting artistic director of ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, and Sascha Radetsky, ABT Studio Company’s creative director, will host masterclasses in STEPS Dance Studio in Makati City and Ayala Center Cebu.
The relationship between ABT Studio Company and Ayala Foundation is strengthened by their shared mission of offering a sanctuary where passionate mentors can nurture young talents.
The 12 rising stars from the said ballet company who are performing in this year’s shows are Madison Brown, Finnian Carmeci, Kayke Carvalho, YeonSeo Choi, Kyra Coco, Brady Farrar, Ayami Goto, Lilia Greyeyes, Takumi Miyake, Sylvie Squires, Alejandro Valera Outlaw, and former Pacita Madrigal scholar under the STEPS Scholarship Foundation, Vince Pelegrin. At 8, Vince started studying various dance styles at Steps Dance Studio, where he was first spotted by the Artistic Director of ABT Studio Company, Sascha Radetsky, in 2018. He was recently offered a spot in ABT Studio Company after graduating under a full scholarship from ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.
Proceeds and donations will go to the CENTEX programme, which aims to provide quality education for underserved students while offering opportunities to grow in music, dance, and arts. Presented by Patek Philippe and BPI Private Wealth, the gala event, produced by STEPS Dance Studio, Ayala Malls, and Ayala Land for the benefit of CENTEX, will surely bring a spellbinding performance to local audiences.