Ballet Philippines' 'Inamorata' is about woman in all her glory

MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Philippines stages Inamorata from Sept. 23 to 25 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater.

Inamorata highlights this season’s celebration of the centennial of International Women’s Day by presenting the many facets of woman. She can be a grand dame, who, even in her last breath, is still magnificent and a sight to behold, as shown in the immortal classic The Dying Swan. It is choreographed by Mikhail Fokine for legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova and set to the poignant music of Camille Saint-Saens’ Le Cygne. The piece will be in sharp contrast to the comedic love pas de deux from Harlequinade, to show the woman’s wit and whimsy.

To show a sampling of woman’s strength, Inamorata also presents the bravura pas de deux from Flames of Paris. Originally from the full-length ballet set in the French Revolution, choreographed by Vasily Vainonen with music by Boris Asafiev, the pas de deux is now a standalone showpiece performed by the strongest dancers in prestigious ballet competitions around the world.

Completing the performance are fresh new works choreographed by the best Filipino choreographers: Ballet Philippines’ artistic director Paul Alexander Morales, BP resident choreographer Alden Lugnasin, former BP artistic director Denisa Reyes, Dwight Rodrigazo, Novy Bereber, and Hong Kong-based choreographer and 2010 Gawad Buhay winner for Outstanding Choreography Carlo Pacis. Each one will render a dance sketch of their muse, accompanied by the heavenly voices of sopranos Rachelle Gerodias and Camille Lopez-Molina, among others.

 The new choreography will also feature costumes designed by top Filipino designers Rajo Laurel, Lulu Tan Gan, Ito Curata and Jojie Lloren.

“The strength of ballet is that it highlights the fusion of all the arts,” says Ballet Philippines artistic director Paul Alexander Morales. “In this special evening where we honor women as the beloved, we are excited about the heightened experience of dance paired with beautiful voices and the cutting-edge looks from our top designers.”

For tickets, visit www.balletphilippines.org or call Ticketworld at 891-9999, CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ballet Philippines at 551-1003.