Ballet Manila marks a grand milestone in its 30th Anniversary Season with the return of the timeless classic Swan Lake, featuring a stellar cast of ballet luminaries from the prestigious San Francisco Ballet.
“Restaging Swan Lake for our Pearl Year is monumental,” shares Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of classical ballet and delivering world-class performances to Filipino audiences.”
Set to grace the stage at Aliw Theater in Pasay City, the production boasts two powerful lead pairs across five performances.
On May 30 (8:00 PM), May 31 (5:00 PM), and June 1 (5:00 PM), the iconic dual roles of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan) will be performed by Katherine Barkman, First Soloist of San Francisco Ballet and a former principal dancer of Ballet Manila. Barkman returns to her home stage to portray one of ballet’s most challenging roles with breathtaking technique and emotional depth.
Opposite her as Prince Siegfried is Esteban Hernandez, Principal Dancer of the San Francisco Ballet. Known for his strength, precision, and magnetic stage presence, Hernandez is expected to deliver a commanding and heartfelt performance.
For matinee performances on May 31 and June 1 at 1:00 PM, the spotlight shifts to Abigail Oliveiro, Ballet Manila’s own principal dancer, as she takes on the roles of Odette and Odile. She will be joined by Nathaniel Remez, Soloist of the San Francisco Ballet, as Prince Siegfried. This pairing promises a fresh and vibrant interpretation of the beloved characters.
This production of Swan Lake is more than a celebration of a classic; it’s a fusion of global and local artistry, offering audiences a rare chance to witness an exquisite collaboration between homegrown talent and internationally acclaimed dancers.
For Macuja Elizalde, the production carries deep personal significance. “Swan Lake has always been one of my most cherished roles. The duality of Odette and Odile tests a ballerina’s technical mastery and emotional range—it’s a role that continues to inspire me to this day.”
Don’t miss this unforgettable ballet experience. Catch Swan Lake on:
- May 30, 2025 (8:00 PM)
- May 31, 2025 (1:00 PM & 5:00 PM)
- June 1, 2025 (1:00 PM & 5:00 PM)
📍 All shows will be held at Aliw Theater, Pasay City.
🎟️ For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph
ℹ️ Learn more at www.balletmanila.com.ph
