The day Sofia Zobel-Elizalde met prima ballerina Stella Abrera

This was how Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, the founder and director of Steps Dance Studio, met prima ballerina Stella Abrera, the first Filipino-American to become a principal in the prestigious American Ballet Theater.

About two years ago, Steven Mitchell — a pianist who has accompanied and performed with some of the most renowned dance organizations in the US, and a friend of Sofia in New York — told her that she should meet this ballet dancer who happens to be Filipina. He invited Stella and Sofia to dinner, and they really hit it off.

“Stella is a wonderful artist and a lovely person,” shares Sofia. “She told me, ‘Let’s find a moment where I can bring a small group of dancers from ABT (American Ballet Theatre) to the Philippines to perform. It has been my dream to give back in some way to my countrymen.”

Upon learning that the entire dance troupe had an engagement in Hong Kong for a full-length ballet, Stella called up Sofia and told her, “This is our opportunity.” An idea was hatched for a small gala, where Stella and her good friends from the ballet company can perform in a more intimate setting. 

“An Intimate Evening with Stella Abrera and American Ballet Stars” will be staged at the Maybank Performance Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City from April 5 to 7 in time for the 20th anniversary of CENTEX (Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education), which is Ayala Foundation’s flagship education program.

Stella Abrera — who made her Manila debut in Ballet Philippines’ 2014 production of Giselle — will be joined onstage by fellow American Ballet Theatre stars Alban Lendorf, Arron Scott, Blaine Hoven, Catherine Hurlin, Gillian Murphy, Isabella Boylston, Roman Zhurbin and Jose Sebastian.

“Right after my conversation with Stella,” recalls Sofia, “I called up Joanna Duarte and Ruel Maranan (of Ayala Foundation) and — again — I think the stars were aligned.” It so happened that CENTEX is celebrating its 20th anniversary and a fund-raiser is in the works. Something synchronous: Stella Abrera is known for her compassion for the less fortunate. She set up a small charity (Steps Forward for the Philippines) to help a school that had been destroyed by super-typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). And, when she last performed in Manila, she even visited students in Guiuan in Eastern Samar during breaks between rehearsals and handed out school supplies.

That’s how the whole project came together, says Sofia. “It just practically fell on my lap.” Involved also in the project are production designer Gino Gonzales (who recently won an award for his work in Larawan) and Mia Borromeo (whom Sofia describes as “someone who turns everything she touches into something beautiful…”). 

CENTEX provides a holistic learning experience for bright students from underprivileged families, as well as their parents and public school teachers. To date, over 1,500 students have graduated from CENTEX’s two campuses in Tondo, Manila, and Bauan, Batangas. But CENTEX goes beyond basic education; art is an essential component inside the halls of the center.

Joanna Duarte explains, “The fact that we have Sofia (for dance) and Coke Bolipata (for music) is something really beneficial for the students. Put any kid — whether underprivileged or not — in an arts program and they will thrive. Dance is such a difficult endeavor, you learn about teamwork, self-confidence, thinking on your feet, how to channel grit — all the life lessons are there.”

Sofia talks about a curious and charming request from Stella.

“When we were conceptualizing the program, I really wanted it to be Stella’s show. But she said to me, ‘Sofia, I want some of your students to dance.’ And I thought, oh my God, they’re going to have a heart attack when they find out they’re going to dance with these big stars. When I eventually told the kids, there was silence, mouths were hanging (laughs).” But the prima ballerina was insistent. She told Sofia, “We want to show what dance training has done for these children, and if we’re raising money for CENTEX, I want people to see what the dance program has done.”

The viewers are in for a treat. The program boasts the classic balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, as well as the dynamic pas de deux from Flames of Paris. The Don Quixote suite opens with six scholars who will be dancing as toreadors — six strong boys who entered CENTEX as playful tykes. Two girls will be featured in the more technically challenging Flower Duet. 

Sofia thinks they have the makings to become professional dancers someday. “Maybe they will even become a part of the American Ballet Theatre. My mom (Bea) and dad (Don Jaime) are very excited. They are very supportive of everything that the foundation does — but dance is really close to their hearts.” 

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Co-presented by Patek Philippe, “An Intimate Evening with Stella Abrera and American Ballet Stars” is also supported by the Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, Airswift, Raffles Makati, Seda Hotels, El Nido Resorts and Steps Dance Studio.

Tickets will be available at TicketWorld starting Feb. 5. For information, visit ayalafoundation.org or ticketworld.com.ph.