A bell tinkles and a familiar bouncy song – so appropriate in the searing summer heat – plays out. “Mamang sorbetero, ano’ng ngalan mo, tinda mong ice cream gustong-gusto ko…”
A sorbetero dances onstage, peddling his ice cream treats, and soon draws a bevy of customers. Later, a group of girls joins him, swirling, leaping and trying to catch his attention.
Welcome to Ballet Pinoy, Ballet Manila’s free show at Star City. Since being launched last year, Ballet Pinoy has been entertaining the amusement park’s weekend visitors, giving them a fun respite between thrill rides and shopping at Star City’s array of booths.
The twist is that the sorbetero is married, and so ensues a hilarious situation as he is chased by his wife who catches him flirting with his female customers. The comic vignette continues with the dancers moving to other lively tunes, Tayo’y Magsayawan and Hahabol-habol (O ang Babae).
Ballet Manila company artists Gerardo Francisco and Michael Divinagracia choreographed Ballet Pinoy, with the former taking care of the three numbers and the latter the finale consisting of the Star City theme. Fellow BM company artist Rudy De Dios joins Francisco in directing the show, with BM co-artistic director Osias Barroso also giving inputs.
Ballet Pinoy can be seen on Fridays (6:30 p.m.), Saturdays (6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.) and Sundays (6:30 p.m.). Star City is located at the CCP Complex, Pasay City.