Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso (center) with the main cast of Pista – dancers Francis Cascaño, Rissa May Camaclang and Gerardo Francisco flanked by mime artists Jovanie and Phildan.
Summer bursts with movement, color, humor and romance as Ballet Manila presents its special show for the season at Star City. As its title connotes, Pista is a celebration of local culture interwoven with ballet dancing and circus acts.
The idea to come up with a fiesta-themed production came from Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde while co-artistic director Osias Barroso thought of incorporating the time-honored custom of harana (serenade) into the story which focuses on two guys trying to win the favor of a barrio lass.
Barroso and BM company artist Gerardo Francisco share choreography duties for Pista which uses a variety of Filipino music, including compositions by the Makiling Ensemble.
The 40-minute performance is a free show for Star City guests.
Pista is the latest in Ballet Manila’s successful series of “cirque de ballet” performances, the last of which was Star City’s Christmas presentation called Joy.
Apart from BM’s skilled ballet dancers who are clad in traditional Filipino wear appropriate for the theme, Pista also enlists mime artists, jugglers, contortionists, acrobats and a magician – making the production a true feast for the senses.
After being launched on April 2, Pista will next be seen on the following dates: April 16, 23 and 30, May 7, 21 and 28 and June 11. All shows are scheduled at 7 p.m. at the Star Theater of Star City. Star City is located at the CCP Complex, Pasay City.