Int’l stars at BP gala

CONTEMPORARY DANCE company Ballet Philippines presents A Gala Celebration, featuring Filipino stars from various international dance companies, on Aug. 18 to 20 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Among the guest artists are Candice Adea (formerly of BalletMet and Hong Kong Ballet), Marcelino Libao (Hamburg Ballet), Kris-Belle Paclibar (formerly of Cirque du Soleil), Ronelson Yadao (formerly of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre), Paul Ocampo and Chien-Ying Wang (OcampoWang Dance), and Jean Marc Cordero and Rita Angela Winder (Ballett Kiel).

This production marks the return of Alice Reyes, National Artist for Dance, as the company’s artistic director. Handpicked to showcase the excellence at the company’s core, the featured works include Agnes Locsin’s “Salome,” Bam Damian’s “Minamahal, Sinasamba,” Edna Vida’s “Vision of Fire,” Norman Walker’s “Summer’s End,” and an excerpt from the classical ballet Raymonda.

“This is quite an exciting time for all of us at Ballet Philippines, especially as we move towards our 50th anniversary in two years,” Ms. Reyes was quoted as saying in a release. “The energy in our studios is electric! It is wonderful to see all of these artists coming together to perform these signature works from the company’s repertoire. Truly a cause for celebration!”

A Gala Celebration, which will be performed at the CCP Main Theater from Aug. 18 to 20, is the first production of the company’s 48th Season, entitled “Quintessence.” The season’s lineup also includes The Exemplars: The Best of Ballet Philippines (1970-1980) on Oct. 20-22, Edna Vida’s The Nutcracker on Dec. 1-10, and Don Quixote on Feb. 9-18, 2018.

For tickets, call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, the CCP Box Office at 832-3704, or TicketWorld at 891-9999.