Business Mirror : Waltzing with Tchaikovsky with Philippines Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Waltzing with Tchaikovsky with Philippines Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Stepping into the Newport Performing Arts Theatre on the evening of December 17 was like entering a portal to a sugarplum dreamscape. Kids and kids at heart swarmed towards the theater to see the well-loved perennial Tchaikovsky classic, The Nutcracker — not letting the December traffic stop them.

What caught my attention was the number of kids who saw this production. They might be too young to understand what they’ll watch, but one thing’s for sure — they know how to spin like ballerinas. (And one kid even did a cartwheel in the theatre lobby, who I realized was part of the cast).

Full article on Business Mirror.

Tatler Asia : Philippine Ballet Theater’s ‘Ibalon’: a modern take on the famed Bicolano epic

Philippine Ballet Theater’s ‘Ibalon’: a modern take on the famed Bicolano epic

Ibalon, the famous Bicolano epic, has been reimagined to become a love story. The original 60-stanza folk epic follows the stories of three heroes: Baltog, Handyong and Bantiong. But the ballet focuses on Handyong (played by Matthew Davo), a mighty warrior who came to the land of Ibalon with his followers to clear the land of monsters. Though his conquest was halted by the beautiful shape-shifting serpent, Oriol (played by Jessa Tangalin). Their encounter would be one of redemption, kindness and love that shook the audience to their core.

Full article on Tatler Asia

Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Ibalon from a 300 View

Ibalon: A review

The Epic Story of Ibalon

Ibalon is about how a mighty seafarer and warrior, Handyong, was sought by the King Gat Ibal, ruler of the kingdom of Ibalon, to find his daughter, Princess Bulanon, and rescue her from the Aswang.

The Aswang was the leader of the evil creatures that roamed the forests. She was jealous of Princess Bulanon’s beauty, so she kidnapped her and put a curse on her. The curse turned her into a huge half-serpent Oryol at night. Bulanon can only transform into a beautiful woman, her real self, when she stays in the forest, and can only roam around freely as an old woman at day time.

Handyong headed to the forest to rescue the princess and came upon the Princess Bulanon in her true form. They fall in love, but as the sun was about to rise, Bulanon summoned the creatures to distract Handyong so he won’t see her transform into Oryol. But the creatures were also ordered by Aswang to kill Handyong to curtail his mission.

Full article here.

Manila Bulletin : Philippine Ballet Theatre Opens 37th season with 'Ibalon'

Philippine Ballet Theatre Opens 37th season with 'Ibalon'

Reimagining ancient filipino mythology through dance and music

The Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) has a mission to relay age-old tales of the Filipino people, reflecting our country’s culture. They aspire to create and perform stories deeply rooted in our heritage.

In their 37th season, PBT will open with a brand-new full-length Filipino ballet entitled "Ibalon." Lifting from the well-known Bicolano epic of the same name, Artistic Director and Choreographer Ronilo Jaynario focuses on the love story of Handyong (The Warrior) and Oryol (The Cursed Creature). Jaynario emphasizes that his choreography is a reimagining of a love story against a backdrop of Philippine mythology.

Taking creative liberties, Jaynario added nuances and plot twists to make the story a powerful display of love in movement. He hopes to leave his audience captivated by the colorful dances inspired by the different regions of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Full article on mb.com.ph

Philippine Ballet Theatre Presents: Kalayaan On Pointe

Philippine Ballet Theatre Presents: Kalayaan On Pointe

Don’t miss this amazing one-day only performance!

Heroes and legends of the 1898 fight for Philippine independence against Spain come alive in a stirring performance by 20 award-winning performers of the highly acclaimed Philippine Ballet Theatre, resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Experience a wonderful repertoire consisting of “Andres," a suite on the beleaguered revolutionary hero, along with excerpts from the classics!

“Bold. Brave. Beautiful,” Philippine Ballet Theatre brings Filipino heritage up front and center on this one-day-only event in San Francisco!

Schedule and Location

• Philippine Ballet Theatre: Kalayaan on Pointe

• Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 6:30PM

• McKenna Theater, San Francisco

Purchase Tickets

• Get Tickets here.

Philippine Ballet Theatre Presents: Filipino Masterpieces & Serye at Sayaw

Philippine Ballet Theatre Presents: Filipino Masterpieces & Serye at Sayaw

A unique Filipino music and dance concert awaits you! Don't miss “Filipino Masterpieces” and “Serye at Sayaw” by The Philippine Ballet Theatre. Pinoy music, Filipiniana and Ballet? Yes! Kakaiba at napakaganda!

Schedule and Location

• ONE NIGHT only in San Jose, California.

• June 8, 2019, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Hammer Theatre Center, Downtown San Jose, CA

Purchase Tickets

• Get Tickets here.

  • Use the Discount Code: IBONGADARNA

• Visit the Hammer Theatre Website

• You may also call (408) 393 8075

This show is brought to you by non-profit group, NorCal Academy of Performing Arts in association with Evergreen School or Music & the Arts.

Dancer Profile : Alvin Santos

Alvin Santos

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Training and Honors

Alvin started as scholar of Ballet Manila School on October 1998, he trained under Osias Barroso. Completed the special Vaganova Method Master Class program by visiting teacher Tatiana A. Udalenkova of the Academy of Russian Ballet from 2001-2006.

In 2003, Alvin became the first Filipino classical danseur Finalist in the Asian Pacific International Ballet Competition (Junior Division) held in Japan. He was also a semi-finalist in the 2nd Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition (Choreography Division) in 2013.

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Performances

Pinocchio (Pinocchio), Romeo and Juliet (Benvolio), Le Corsaire (The Bronze Idol), Swan Lake (Jester), Tatlong Kwentong Ni Lola Basyang (Pedro), The Swan, The Fairy and the Princess, Ibong Adarna.

Dancer Profile : Dominador Delmo

Dominador Delmo

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Training and Honors

Dom started dancing at the age of 8 as a scholar of the Julie Borromeo’s Performing Arts Foundation, where he trained in ballet, tap, hiphop, international ballroom, jazz, and flamenco under the tutelage of no less than Julie and Rose Borromeo, Maricar Aragon, Anamarie Quirino, Ronilo Jaynario, and Angel Gomez, to name a few.

At the age of 11 he was invited by the Philippine Ballet Theatre to guest in their production of “Romeo and Juliet”. Since then, he has been performing with the company in numerous productions such as The Nutcracker, La Bayadere, Pilipino Komiks, and The Merry Widow.

In 2018, after years of extensive training and exposure in the performing arts, he became a full time company member of the Philippine Ballet Theatre. Dom recently won the Gold medal in Classical Ballet category of the 2018 Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition. In that same year, he performed as Fritz and one of the Russian Trepak in Nutcracker.

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Performances

In 2018, Dominador performed as Fritz and one of the Russian Trepak in PBT’s Nutcracker.

Dancer Profile : Julafer Fegarido

Julafer Fegarido

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Training and Honors

Julafer started dancing at the University of the East’s Silanganan Dance Troupe under Gener Caringal. While studying as a Full Scholar of UE, he was also a Company Scholar of the Philippine Ballet Theatre. Eager to venture into, and improve his technique in classical ballet, he auditioned for a scholarship program at Ballet Manila at the age of 21. He was accepted, and trained under Osias Barroso, Mailene Aggabao-Salgado, and Jonathan Janolo.

After a year of training at BM, he was given an opportunity to perform with the Quezon City Ballet under Shirley Halili Cruz. During his stay at the QCB, he had the privilege to perform in Russia, Korea and China. Competed in Asia Pacific Dance Competition in Hongkong, Thailand, and here in Manila. After his five-year stay at the Quezon City Ballet, Julafer returned to Philippine Ballet Theatre as a Company Artist in 2015, just in time for its 29th Season.

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Performances

Dill, Russian Trepak and Reed Flute in The Nutcracker; Lead Gypsy in Don Quixote; Dancing in One Voice; he danced a featured soloist role in the Paquita Pas Trois in The Great Classics; Vinta, Bamboo King in Darangen ni Bantugen and Entablado in Filipino Masterpieces; Fakir in La Bayadere; Pilipino Komiks; The Merry Widow; Sabel: Love and Passion; one of the Spring Fairies in Cinderella.

Dancer Profile : Kazier Policarpio

Kazier Policarpio

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Training and Honors

Kazier started dancing at the Manila Dance Center, training under Tony Fabella, Luther Perez, and Eddie Elejar. He was then accepted as a scholar at the CCP Dance School where he studied under Noordin Jumalon, Gina Katigbak-Garcia, Nonoy Froilan, Jeffrey Espejo, Pam Asprer-Espejo, and Verna Fajilan in ballet, and Gerald Mercado and Georgette Sanchez among others in contemporary dance.

At the CCP Dance School, Kazier danced lead roles in its production such as “A Forest Tale and Baroque Fantasque”. At Ballet Philippines, he was promoted to apprentice in 2010, and became a company member in 2011.

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Performances

Kazier has performed in Ballet Philippines’ Major productions such as “Peter Pan”, “The Nutcracker”, “Coppelia”, and “Snow White”. He joined the Philippine Ballet Theatre as a company member in 2015, during its 29th season.

Dancer Profile : Jimmy Lumba

Jimmy Lumba

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Training and Honors

Jimmy started training at the age of 18 as a scholar of Teatro baile de Cavite under Brezhnev Larlar and Pamela Ortiz-Bondoc. There he trained in the Australian Conservatoire of ballet syllabus (ACB). Under (ACB), he passed level 4 and senior level 1 and earned the mark of distinction for both levels.

In 2012, he joined the NAMCYA Senior ballet competition where he became a regional winner and National finalist. He continued his ballet training under Anatoly Panasyukov and Ronilo Jaynario, joined PBT in 2013 and formally became part of the company in 2014.

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Performances

Jimmy joined PBT's production like, Carmen, Serye at Sayaw, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Filipino Master pieces, Gener Karingal’s Andres Bonifacio, Darangen ( angel of death), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo) and Cinderella ( step sister) held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He is also part of Resorts world Manila production of "Cinderella" in 2013 and Resorts world Sentosa Singapore production of "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" 2014.

Dancer Profile : Crimson Guirjem

Crimson Guirjem

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Training and Honors

Crimson Guirjem, began training in his hometown Iloilo on the island Panay, Philippines with the Annie Divinagracia Sartorio School of Performing Arts at the age of 17, covering ballet, hip-hop, jazz and contemporary dance. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of San Agustin, Iloilo; majoring in Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH).

In 2011, he joined the Claravall-Gonzalez School of Classical Ballet and trained in the British Method, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). The only Royal Academy of Dance registered school in the Visayas.

Upon the recommendation of his mentor, Nila Claravall-Gonzalez, he took classes with PBT where we was later accepted as a company member in april 2014.

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Performances

Crimson performed in PBT’s “Carmen”,”Serye at Sayaw”,”Dancing in One Voice”,”and “Darangen ni Bantugen”. He was later given the opportunity to portray the role of Espada in “Don Quixote”, Arabian Dance in “Nutcraker”,The Prince in “Swan Lake” and “Nutcracker” Count Danilo in “The Merry Widow.

Dancer Profile : Matthew Davo

Matthew Davo

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Training and Honors

Matthew began his dance training as a scholar of the Julie Performing Arts Foundation at the age of 14. There, he studied ballet, jazz, tap, hiphop, ballroom and flamenco under the tutelage of Maricar Aragon, Gigi Aragon, Anamarie Quirino, and Julie Borromeo. In 2010 he became a scholar of PBT and trained under the Artistic Director Ron Jaynario and Ballet Master Anatoly Panasyukov.

Upon the invitation of the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, he performed as part of the Sleeping Beauty production in the Arts Center in Melbourne, Australia. He was also invited to perform at the Shantanand Auditorium, Temple of Fine Arts in Malaysia. Matthew was a finalist at the NAMCYA (2011), at the 1st CCP Ballet Competition (Senior Category) in 2014, and at the 3rd Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition at National Center for the Performing Arts, China. He won 3rd place at the 2016 CCP Ballet Competition (Senior Solo Category).

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Performances

At PBT, Matthew’s most outstanding performances to date are his dynamic renditions as a Russian Trepak Dancer, a role he has danced annually in The Nutcracker; “Ali” in “Le Corsaire”; and in the King and I in Resorts World (2013). He has danced “Solor” in La Bayadere and was the lead in “Entablado” in the Filipino Masterpieces, and the “Prince” in The Nutcracker. During the danceMNL festival at CCP, he performed the challenging and well-applauded “Flames of Paris” pas de deux.

Matthew has also danced in company productions in 2010, such Mir-i-nisa, Swan Lake, Carmina Burana, Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, Serye at Sayaw, Don Quixote, Dancing in One Voice, Sabel: Love and Passion, The Great Classics, The Merry Widow and Cinderella Prince. Despite his rigorous dance schedule, Matthew completed his bachelor’s degree in information Technology in 2018.

Dancer Profile : Mark Joseph Pineda

Mark Joseph Pineda

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Training and Honors

Mark, a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education and a licensed high school teacher, began his training under the guidance of Anatoly Panasyukov at age 15. Eventually becoming a PBT scholar. He also trained under Ronilo Jaynario, Gener Caringal, Enrico Labayen, Maiqui Mañosa, Herbert Alvarez, Carlos Garcia, American Repertory Ballet director Graham Lustig and Prima Ballerina Maniya Barredo. He was promoted to company member in 2004.

He was also a finalist in the NAMCYA Senior Ballet Division. Mark has toured with the company in China (2008) and Malaysia (2015). In 2011, Mark toured Italy with the Foundation for Lay Education oh Heart Disease (FLEHD), where he was invited to perform in the musical drama “How To Remain Young At Heart”.

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Performances

From 2004 to 2008, Mark performed In PBT’s productions of “Romeo and Juliet”, “Merry Widow”, “Hunchback of Notre Dame”, “Madame Butterfly”, “Cinderella”, “Don Quixote”, “Giselle”, “Andres KKK”, “Fiesta”, “Kundiman”, and “Vinta”, among others. He also joined the company on tour to various provinces and to China in 2008. He essayed featured roles in “Palikhayaw”, “Darangen ni Bantugen”, and “Ang Pagsaway” before making his debut as the lead character Tasmi in “Mir-i-Nisa” (2009).

Since then, he has performed the Neopolitan Pas de Deux and Pas de Trois in “Swan Lake”, featured toles in “Romansa”, the Pas de Trois in “Paquita’s Grand Pas Classique”, the lead role In “Carmina Burana”, and the Reed Flute and Russian in “The Nutcracker” (all in 2010); the Jester and Autumn Fairy in “Cinderella” (2011), and as Spanish and Russian in “The Nutcracker” (2011-2012), Birbanto in “Le Corsaire”. (April & August 2013), “Tzigane” by Thomas Pazik (Nov. 2013), Zuniga in “Carmen” (July 2014).

Dancer Profile : Maria Michaella Carreon

Maria Michaella Carreon

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Training and Honors

Micha joined Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) on 2015 as an apprentice and promoted as a Company Member at 2018. She is an Honors Scholar at the College of Saint Benilde's (CSB) Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance. She graduated at Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) as Salutatorian and received the Outstanding Student Artist award and M.A.R.I.A. (Makiling Academe and Research Institute for the Arts) Scholarship by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

In 2016, she won 2nd place at the CCP Ballet Competition. Currently, she is trained by the director Ronilo Jaynario and ballet master Anatoli Panasyukov in PBT and Nina Anonas and Christine Crame at CSB. She started dancing at Gigi Felix Velarde Dance Workshop, and San Diego Dance Studio (Cebu) then transferred to Halili Cruz School of Ballet. She is also a scholar of Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila from 2012 to 2014.

Her previous dance mentors are Jeng Halili, Al Garcia, Robert Medina, Nonoy Froilan, Rica Balagtas, Jimmy Mateo, Osias Barroso, Eileen Lopez, Jonathan Janolo, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Herbert Alvarez, Elena Laniog-Alvarez, Edna Vida Froilan, Victor Ursabia, and Carlos “Caloy” Garcia.

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Performances

Micha participated in PBT's productions: The Great Classics, among the four little swans, La Bayadere as one of the pas de quatre, and Pilipino Komiks. She joined the company’s provincial tours in Davao, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. At PHSA she is noted for the role Nikiya in La Bayadere and as the choreographer of Agos, an adaptation of Eugene Evasco’s Anina ng mga Alon. Micha is one of the delegates at Ho Chi Minh – Gyeongju World Culture Expo 2017 in Vietnam.

She has also participated in the CCP Choreographer Series Koryolab and Neo-Filipino, performing Haya by Al Garcia, and Zebra by Ernest Mandap. As a former scholar at Ballet Manila, she performed in its summer workshop recitals such as Sleeping Beauty and Le Corsaire, and with the company in Aliwan Festival, Robinsons mall shows, and production La Bayadere.

Dancer Profile : Marianne Grace Francisco

Marianne Grace Francisco

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Training and Honors

Mara started her ballet training at the age of 7 under Venus Basas. In 2002, she received a two week scholarship at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet in Melbourne, Australia. She then furthered her training with Brezhnev Larlar, Rolby Lacaba, and Fred Fernandez for classical ballet and contemporary dance.

She has also trained in jazz and hip hop under Hotlegs Dance Company, Philippine Allstars, and the UP Streetdance Crew. In 2012, she was a semi-finalist in the Senior Division of the National Music Competition for Young Artists Ballet Competiton. Continuing her classical training with Anatoly Panasyukov and Ronilo Jaynario, Mara joined PBT as an apprentice in 2016 and was promoted to Company Artist in 2018.

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Performances

Mara has performed in the corps de ballet of PBT's Nutcracker, The Great Classics, Filipino Masterpieces, La Bayadere, Merry Widow, and Cinderella. She has also danced the roles of "Chinese Tea" and "Reed Flutes" in the company's production of the Nutcracker.

Dancer Profile : Ma. Isabel Regina Gonzalez

Ma. Isabel Regina Gonzalez

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Training and Honors

Isabel began her ballet lessons under her mother, Nila Claravall-Gonzalez, at the age of three and a half in Iloilo City. She passed her Grades Examination with marks of Distinction and Vocational Examination Advance 1 and 2 Levels with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), London. She was a Regional Winner and a National Finalist in the NAMCYA- Junior Ballet Competition both in 2009 and 2011.

She trained under Brezhnev Larlar, Nonoy Froilan, Dwight Rodrigazo, Raul Sauz and took classes with Victor Ursabia, Nicholas Pacaña, Christine Walsh, Tina Santos, Max Luna and Hilary Kaplan of Alegria in Sydney. She went to Boston Ballet and took classes with Eyla Jeschke, George Birkadze, Pavel Guverich, Christopher Anderson and Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director, Mikko Nissinen.

After finishing her college degree, she moved to Manila and joined PBT as an apprentice in 2016 and was promoted to company member in 2018. Isabel is a Registered Medical Technologist and an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), London.

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Performances

Isabel danced in PBT’s various productions as corps de ballet in the Great Classics, Vinta, Sa Piging, Darangen ni Bantugen, The Nutcracker, Pilipino Komiks, La Bayadere, The Merry Widow and Cinderella. In The Nutcracker 2018, she danced the Spanish Dancer.

Dancer Profile : Clarise Rein Miranda

Clarise Rein Miranda

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Training and Honors

Clarise started dance training under the tutelage of Luther Perez, Jesse Fortune, Stephen Cañete, and other teacher from Sayaw Foundation. She also trained under the guidance of Maritoni Rufino Tordesillas and Melvin Martinez. Achieved a distinction evaluation of the Australian Conservatory of Ballet Examination.

In 2014, Clarise was a 6th placer at the Philippine Dance Cup Competition Senior Modern Contemporary Division, and won places from the Association of the Ballet Academies Philippines in all senior solo, duo, trio, modern contemporary divisions. Continuing her ballet training under Anatoli Panasyukov and Ronilo Jaynario, Clarise joined PBT in 2014 as a Company Scholar.

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Performances

Clarise has participated in various PBT Productions such as Don Quixote, La Bayadere, and The Nutcracker where she danced as one of the Reed Flutes and the Spanish Chocolate.

Dancer Profile : Ana Mikaela Samson

Ana Mikaela Samson

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Training and Honors

As an eager four-year-old, Maika briefly dabbled in ballet. She rediscovered dance when she took jazz classes at age nine, at the Center for Movement and Music. Seeing her natural talent, dance directress Tara Nepomuceno-Santos encouraged her to take ballet lessons again.

At CMM, she broadened her dance vocabulary, technique and versatility with five years of classical ballet under Tara Santos, Bubbles Encarnacion, Herbert Alvarez, and Ronilo Jaynario; jazz under Jenny Nebres, Love Llena, and Meg Cordova; and hiphop under Jog Nebres. Maika and her fellow CMM dancers topped the Junior B Division of the National Dance Category of the 2010 ABAP Dance Cup and won gold at the Junior Contemporary Category of the 2013 ABAP Ballet Competition.

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Performances

In 2014, Maika danced in PBT’s Nutcracker, as part of the corps de ballet, then became a company apprentice. From her first year as an apprentice, aside from corps roles, Maika has been fortunate to have danced feature roles, as one of the Reed Flutes, Tea from China, and Arabian Coffee in Nutcracker; Big Swan in Swan Lake; Second Shade from Labayadere; and Chinese Dance in “Thatness, Thereness.”

In 2016, Maika represented PBT in dance.MNL, where she attended workshops under Victor Ursabia, Perry Sevidal, and Lisa Macuja. She also became a finalist at the 2016 CCP Ballet Competition. Maika was promoted to Company Artist in 2018. In the same year, US-based company Gaynor Minden chose her to be one of their brand ambassadors, the first Gaynor Girl in the Philippines.

Dancer Profile : Tara Jade Leach

Tara Jade Leach

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Training and Honors

Tara began her formal ballet training with the San Francisco Ballet School under the direction of Helgi Tomasson and Contra Costa Ballet under Richard Cammack and Zola Dishong. From there, she was taught by numerous instructors including Yoira Esquival-Brito, Pascale Leroy, Charles Anderson, Katarina Wester, Santa Clara Ballet director Josefa Villanueva-Reyes, and Arnold Chao.

In 2015, she started her professional ballet career in the Philippines with Ballet Manila under the direction of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Osias Barroso as a company artist. One year later, Tara joined PBT in May 2016 as a company artist. Continuing her 4th season with the company, Tara looks forward to a bright future with PBT.

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Performances

With PBT, Tara performed various important roles in PBT’s 30th - 33rd season. Many productions include “The Nutcracker”, “The Great Classics”, Gener Caringal’s “Pilipino Komiks”, “Filipino Masterpieces”, “La Bayadere”, and “The Merry Widow”. Just recently Tara performed as one of the “Winter Fairies” in Ron Jaynario’s debut production of “Cinderella” last season.