How Art Heals: One Fine Day Of Art And Dance - Arts & Culture

On its 53rd Season, Ballet Philippines dares to dance where no one else has.

Ballet Philippines (BP) invited an intimate circle of media friends and supporters to an afternoon of fine art and dance with the event titled: “Dance Here and Now: Equus, Bolero, and Other Dances.”

READ ALSO: Safe To Dance: Ballet Philippines Is Returning To Live Performances For Its 53rd Season

The day began at the Mercedes Benz showroom at Bonifacio Global City. What was the intention? According to BP, “To create a full sensorial Ballet Philippines journey commencing with brunch cocktails of Yellow Tail Bubbles and hearty canapes from Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant.”

BP President Kathleen Liechtenstein shared, “We collaborated with brands and companies that share the same vision for supporting Philippine performance arts as we collectively step out and into the future.”

Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein

Following this was a scenic drive to The Pinto Art Museum that houses some of the country’s finest contemporary art pieces, honoring the company’s theme to “dance where no one else has.” Liechtenstein says, “This also cements our declaration at the start of the season to engage with not just artists in the performance arts, but to create strong bonds with the entire creative community as well.”

A quick tour of the 1.5 hectare art complex revealed an expansive collection of contemporary artworks that have invigorated the whole Philippine creative scene. Dr. Cuanang, neurologist, art collector, patron of the arts, and founder of Pinto Art Museum welcomed guests. He remarked, “Our El Refugio Foundation’s main mission has always been to support all forms. As a doctor, I’ve come to witness how art can be healing. This is why at the Pinto Art Museum, we celebrate and support visual arts, music, literature, film, and performance arts.”

Ballet Philippines’ 53rd Season presents Dance Here and Now: Equus, Bolero, and Other Dances with its gala on September 17, 2022

The guided tour ended at Gallery 7 where a stunning luncheon spread was laid out. Not typically a spot for dining, its Illustrado function room on the mezzanine had been closed out especially for the day’s special guests. Present that day to welcome media friends and supporters was Ballet Philippines Trustee, Bernadette M. Aboitiz. In her speech, she mentioned that: “In our 53-year history, this gala is perhaps one of the most anticipated and awaited. After two years of connecting with our audiences solely through the digital space, Ballet Philippines is finally returning to the grand stage, ready to perform in front of a live audience. it would be an understatement for us to say that this live performance has been a long time coming.” 

Bolero is one of BP’s much-awaited live performances at the CCP during the company’s 53rd Season

A three course menu, prepared by Cafe Rizal delighted palettes. It was comprised of Hanoi Pomelo Salad with Crispy Adobo Flakes, US Angus Steak served with Peppermill Dressing and Red Wine Sauce, Baked Norwegian Salmon encrusted in Sesame Nori and Jabanero Cream, Madrid Pasta and a comforting meal ender of Warm Bread Pudding in Sabayon. 

An excerpt from the 53rd Season Gala Performance ushered in the afternoon hour. Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk charmed audiences with a warm introduction before dancers from the company filled the halls of Gallery 7 with music and ballet. The five-minute performance was so powerful and moving, it heightened excitement over the much awaited gala in September. It also presented to members of the press that day, an invigorated 53-year-old dance company that has only grown stronger and wiser through the years. 

Mikhail Martynyuk, Artistic Director of Ballet Philippines

The afternoon was capped off an endearing performance by Ballet Philippines Dance School student, Ella Longgat. The dance school’s well-loved director, who was also that day’s host explained: “It takes years to mold dancers. Our educational arm is Ballet Philippines Dance School, which takes students through their whole ballet and dance education, from 4 to 18 years old. We also have Adult Ballet for beginners and those with prior experience, as well as other dance forms. For decades, BP Dance School has helped thousands of young dancers from all walks of life hone their talent, and helped them become dancers and arts professionals all over the world.”

The fine day for art and dance ended on a high note. A collector’s item art book from Pinto Art Museum, handpicked by Dr. Cuanang himself, were tokens given out to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.

Equus, Bolero, and Other Dances will show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines from September 17, the gala night at 8 PM to September 18 at 2 PM and 7 PM. Visit the website for tickets and subscriptions.

Banner photo courtesy of Ballet Philippines.

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