Alice Reyes’ Cinderella: Kudos to Ballet Philippines for a Grandiose Opening Night

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ballet Philippines sent out an early Christmas treat for the young and young at heart last November 28, 2014 during the opening night of Alice Reyes’ Cinderella at Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center Philippines. This is the fifth re-staging and also the thirty-third anniversary of the show which was first staged in 1981.

For its opening night, the coveted role of Cinderella was played by Soloist Denise Parungao who was last seen in the title role of another Ballet Philippines’ production ‘Giselle’ during the past two years. Her Prince Charming was played by Principal Dancer Richardson Yadao whose performance was as fluid and graceful as his partner. This star-studded event was also joined by another great ballerina in the likes of the Madame Isabelle Garachon, wife of the French Ambassador of the Philippines.

“I have always wanted to do a ballet for children-Cinderella was the perfect material. After all I can’t think of childhood without Mother Goose and Cinderella. Working on a full-length ballet patterned after the traditional classic form presented many problems. The easiest way would have been to adhere to the Cinderella scenario already established by such noted choreographers as Petipa, Fokine, Sergeyev, and Ashton, among many others. What kept me on track in my version was the one thought that that eventually became a guide: the ballet was for Christ and Sara and Marco and Carlo and little Alice and all my wonderful little friends who keep bringing ‘wonder’ into my life. I would like to give them something back in return" says Alice Reyes, Ballet Philippines’ founder and Artistic Director Emeritus.

Once the lights dimmed inside the theatre, the guests were taken back to their childhood memory lane as they watched the outstanding performance of dancers and ballerinas who greatly portray and convey the beloved fairytale, Cinderella through their graceful movements. The audience laughed, smiled and even got googly-eyed on various scenes of the performance, which only goes to show how powerful dancing is in creating emotional connection.

For those who missed the opening night of Cinderella, you still have your chance to experience your fair share of a magical night on the following dates and times: November 29 (2pm and 6pm), November 30 (2pm and 6pm), December 5 (3pm and 8pm), December 6 (10am and 6pm), and December 7 (2pm and 6pm). Tickets may be purchased via Ticketworld at 891-9999 (also available online) or by calling the CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

Kudos Ballet Philippines for a grandiose performance yet again and congratulations to your 45th Anniversary!

Contributed by Joan Miranda