International Dance Company of the Month: Ballet Philippines

BroadwayWorld is excited to expand its popular feature series outside the U.S. borders setting our sights on showcasing performance companies around the world! Each month we will introduce you to an intearnational theater, dance and opera company located in one of our coverage countries.

Today, BroadwayWorld is thrilled feature the prestigious Ballet Philipines now in its 43rd season!

Founded in 1969 by Alice Reyes with the support of Eddie Elejar and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines (BP) is widely recognized today as a cornerstone of the Filipino cultural identity. Its audience represents a cross-section of Manila's populace and includes visitors from around the country and around the world.

Each year outreach and educational programs introduce new generations of audience members not only to dance, but to music and visual art as well. BP's official school, the CCP Dance School, continues to produce dancers of international caliber. As the dance company in residence at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines is globally recognized as the country's flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance.

With a treasure trove of over 400 works, Ballet Philippines' wide ranging, eclectic repertory is unparalleled in Asia. From full-length classical ballets and internationally recognized masterworks to indigenous works of Filipino folklore and social issues, the company weaves a colorful tapestry of the Philippine's rich and diverse cultural heritage - uniquely and distinctly Filipino.

The Company's achievements, coupled with the generous and prestigious support of numerous local and national funding sources, have dramatically strengthened BP's position as a world-class ballet company within the local, national, and international arts communities.

As the Philippines' premiere dance company, now in its 43rd season, BP continues its vision of nurturing the best Fiipino dance artists, in year long program of professional and developmental dance.

Currently on stage is Ballet Phillipines' restaging of the hit pop ballet musical 'Rama Hari', which opened on November 30, and will run until Sunday, December 9 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theatre. Check out production photos here!

For more information, visit http://ballet.ph/

Know of an international dance company we should feature? Send your suggestion to romi@broadwayworld.com

Photos of Cyril Fallar and Katherine Trofeo (in "Harlequinade"), Rita Winder and EJ Arisola courtesty of Ballet Phillpines.