TeatroPinas : Ballet Manila's 'Giselle' Returns to the Stage: A Timeless Tale of Love and Betrayal

Ballet Manila is set to captivate audiences once again with its upcoming production of Giselle, marking a highlight in their 26th season. Scheduled for August 31 at 8 PM and September 1, 2024, at 5 PM, this much-anticipated performance will take place at the Aliw Theater. Notably, the event will feature world-renowned principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Aleksei Timofeyev from Russia's Mariinsky Ballet, adding a touch of international prestige to the production.

During the recent media conference, Ballet Manila’s prima ballerina, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, shared insights into the upcoming performance, shedding light on both the timeless and new elements that will make this rendition of Giselle truly unique.

Macuja-Elizalde emphasized the enduring nature of Giselle, noting that while there are various interpretations, for her, there is only one true way to dance the classic role. She explained that certain aspects of the ballet, such as the emotional journey of the characters, remain consistent. "For Giselle, there's always the question: Is it my heart that breaks, or do I lose my mind?" she remarked. Similarly, she discussed the complexity of the cemetery scene, where the challenge lies in creating an eerie atmosphere while maintaining the ethereal quality of the dancing.

"The dancers must be soft and graceful, yet as strong as steel, unified in their movements," Macuja-Elizalde said. She credited this precision and unity to rigorous training in the Vaganova technique, a hallmark of the Russian ballet school. "It's the magic of the Russian school," she added, highlighting how daily training in this style makes it easier to achieve cohesion in a classical ballet like Giselle.

However, Macuja-Elizalde also acknowledged that dancing classical ballet is inherently challenging due to its purity, where mistakes are difficult to conceal. "In contemporary dance or modern choreography, it's a little easier to disguise mistakes, but in classical ballet, you really have to be at the top of your game," she explained. The combination of technical excellence and compelling storytelling is what brings Giselle to life on stage.

In addition to these timeless aspects, Ballet Manila’s upcoming production of Giselle will introduce new elements. Macuja-Elizalde revealed that due to a fire that destroyed their previous sets, the company is creating new set designs, including a fresh staging of the graveyard scene. The production will also feature new veils for the Wilis to enhance the visual impact and special effects like creeping fog to add to the eerie ambiance.

One of the most exciting aspects for Macuja-Elizalde is witnessing the company’s dancers bring these new elements to life. "I’m so, so excited to watch them dance today," she said, expressing her enthusiasm for the production.

Ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike are in for a treat with Ballet Manila’s Giselle. The combination of classic artistry, new set designs, and the participation of esteemed guest dancers from the Mariinsky Ballet promises an unforgettable performance. Don’t miss the chance to experience this iconic ballet live at the Aliw Theater.

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