This time around, I left the “dance floor” to the trained experts and just enjoyed the latest from the talented Ballet Philippines. Carlo Calma’s DIYOSA was an answered prayer for art and culture lovers. Ballet Philippines’ president, Kathleen Lior-Liechtenstein, described it as a “culmination of Ballet Philippines’ journey during the 53rd season” in her warm message.
Well, as an enthusiast myself, I’ll simply say it was “en pointe!” Like kids say these days! My puns aside, it was an amazing experience! They fired up the stage at the Theatre at Solaire since CCP is still enjoying its much needed R&R: renovation and rejuvenation. But even with CCP temporarily closed, this opened for Ballet Philippines for a first-time partnership with the Theatre at Solaire. Great thinking! Fast forward to the gala. Swarms of ballet enthusiasts were all chit-chatting at the venue and looked like gods and goddesses in their modern Filipiniana. Some quick convos, photo ops and a welcome cocktail later, we headed in for an amazing show.
The five-act performance used design, fashion, electronic music and art to enhance the ballet. More than that, it also represented a greater message, inspiring us to act on the global environmental crisis. Talk about moving for a movement! Garnering its well-deserved applause at the end of the night, DIYOSA is definitely another piece to be proud of. Excited to see what Ballet Philippines come up with next! Bravo!
