19 August 2015 – Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company, received a standing ovation from a delighted audience after a captivating performance at the Abu Dhabi Theatre on August 08. 

Staging “Master Pieces:  Celebrating the Tapestry of Filipino Culture and Friendship”, Ballet Philippines showcased its collection of acclaimed works and dance pieces created and performed throughout its 46-year history, from classical and contemporary dance pieces echoing Philippine history and tradition to interpretations of Philippine folk and popular songs and more. The biggest crowd-pleaser was the final performance, “Tambol at Padyak” (Drum and Beats), wherein all 16 dancers danced with their bakyas (wooden slippers), bringing the    90-minute show to an enlivening conclusion.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Grace Relucio Princesa said that, in line with efforts to advance cultural diplomacy, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) partnered with Ballet Philippines this year to promote and proudly present Filipino talent and artistry, culture and heritage in the Middle East.

She added that beyond the services sector, the multi-faceted heritage of the Philippines and the Filipinos must be showcased.  “Ballet Philippines shows that we have world-class talents. Culture transcends boundaries. It connects hearts and souls. We are bringing Ballet Philippines to connect with our Emirati brothers and sisters and fellow expatriates in the UAE,” Ambassador Princesa concluded. 

Leading the 23-member tour group, Ballet  Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales said he was very happy to be in the Middle East for the first   time to feature the Company’s master works.

Among the spectators were UAE government officials and businessmen, representatives from universities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, members of the diplomatic corps, Filipino community leaders, and the media.

Ballet Philippines performed in Dubai on August 7 and the following day in Abu Dhabi for the UAE leg of its first Middle East tour. The group will also perform in Bahrain on August 10, Qatar on August 12, and Jordan on August 14. Ballet Philippines, a resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, is globally recognized as the country’s flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance. END