BM dances ‘Giselle’ amid unexpected setback

Joan Sia (right) in her element as Giselle.

Despite a recent tragic event, Ballet Manila (BM) did not fail to live up to the theme of its 24th performance season as its presentation of the classic Giselle was surely on point from start to finish.

Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde tried to hold back the tears as she assured the crowd that they will work harder and rise once again. Before the show began, Macuja-Elizalde gave an emotional speech to thank the people who supported her dance company.

“I realized that, in the wake of tragedy, divine providence has stirred many hands and hearts to encourage and help us,” said Macuja Elizalde, referring to the fire that razed Star City and rendered Aliw Theater inoperative. “I would like to thank CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines), Ballet Philippines, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, the ballet and performing arts community for lifting our spirits up and pledging their support. We are determined to continue our mission and vision to bring the ballet to the people and more people to the ballet.”

As the show began, enchanting music filled the CCP Main Theater. Conductor Alexander Vikulov and the Manila Symphony Orchestra provided the live music accompaniment which transported the audience to the medieval Rhineland village.

The curtains rose and, at first glance, the set, costumes and props were a visual delight. The nobleman Albrecht in his disguise as Loys, played by principal dancer Elpidio Magat, joins the peasants and his cad character was immediately masked by his charisma and sophisticated dancing prowess, which made the titular character fall in love with him.

Principal dancer Joan Sia in the role of Giselle was simply a match made in heaven. The moment she stepped out of her little cruck house, her radiating smile perfectly captured her character’s charm, grace and naiveté. Her Act I variation was a true stand out. Sia’s movement, from her arabesques to her piqué turns, were the just the right combination of energy and daintiness. The scene of her madness and death was also stunning and heartbreaking display.

Principal dancer Mark Sumaylo breathed new life to the character of Hilarion. His portrayal was relatable for someone who has nothing to give but love to the person he cares about. Sumaylo captures the emotions caused by love that’s not openly reciprocated — from being spiteful to being worried that the love of his life will end up with the wrong person.

In Act II, the 24 Wilis and their synchronized movements were a treat to the eyes. Myrtha, played by company artist Akari Ida, nailed the character’s ethereal yet vengeful qualities. When Hilarion met his demise after he visited Giselle’s grave, it showed how strong of a dancer Sumaylo is. The way he danced the grueling and demanding choreography with so much emotion made the audience feel sorry for what his character had to endure.

However, the height of Act II was Giselle and Albrecht’s Pas De Deux. Sia and Magat left a lasting impression with their take on love after death. Giselle never blamed Albrecht for her death and even protected him from the fatal punishment of the Wilis. The nobleman almost had the same fate as Hilarion but it was Giselle’s forgiveness and undying love that kept him alive. As the sun rises and the Wilis fade, Albrecht ran to Giselle tomb’s and wept to show his regret — which brought the bittersweet ending.

Giselle showed the company’s resilience and strength. It is rather unfortunate that the three originally planned shows were compressed to one because, without a doubt, a lot of people would have enjoyed it. Many people thought that their 24th performance season was over after the fire that damaged the company’s home base, the Aliw Theater, but they were still able to come up with a powerful and spectacular production. After Giselle’s success, it only made the rest of shows this season something to look forward to. The two remaining shows for this season, The Sleeping Beauty and Carmina Burana and La Traviata, will be performed on new dates and venues which will be announced soon.