Ballet Philippines here again for unique performances<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Ballet Philippines, one of its country's premier
\ndance companies, is scheduled to feature an exciting repertoire
\nof 12 pieces during its three-day visit to Gedung Kesenian in
\nJakarta beginning Friday.<\/p>\n
Philippine embassy cultural officer Gloria L. Tablico said the
\ngroup's performances would not be just traditional world-class
\ndisplays; they would also reflect a uniquely Philippine character
\nand spirit.<\/p>\n
\"World-renowned for the originality, energy, elegance and
\nversatility of its dancing, Ballet Philippines is also noted for
\nits rich integration of the old and new, of various music forms
\nand of traditional Filipino and Western movement styles,\" Tablico
\ntold a press conference here Saturday.<\/p>\n
Ballet Philippines, the resident company of the Cultural
\nCenter of the Philippines, previously performed in Jakarta in
\n1974, 1981 and 1988.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1970, the group has presented almost 1,000 full-
\nhouse performances in more than 50 cities worldwide, said
\nTablico.<\/p>\n
Noted for its unique blend of classical, contemporary, avant-
\ngarde and modern dance, Ballet Philippines is often dubbed
\n\"uninhibited\", \"outstanding\" and \"overwhelming\" by international
\ncritics.<\/p>\n
The company has performed more than 200 different items.
\nAlthough wide in scope, the majority of the programs integrate
\nWestern techniques, themes and designs but remain distinctly
\nFilipino.<\/p>\n
During its performances in Jakarta, the 20 members of Ballet
\nPhilippines will go all-out to attract audiences to pack the 445
\nseats at Gedung Kesenian, near Pasar Baru in Central Jakarta.<\/p>\n
With ticket prices of Rp 50,000 (US$20.40) for the floor seats
\nand Rp 40,000 for the balcony seats, the company -- which will be
\npaid US$15,000 by the Gedung Kesenian management -- will feature
\nlithe maidens, lonely men, multi-faceted women, frenzied
\npriestesses and innocent children in its 12 works.<\/p>\n
They are titled Igorot, Bach Concerto, Moriones, Je,Tu,Elle,
\nSwimming The Pasig, Taong Talangka, Babalyan, Pagdiriwang, Opus
\n25, Tatlong Babae, Paglalakbay, and Te Deum.<\/p>\n
Programs<\/p>\n
The first eight items will be presented in what they call the
\nfirst program on the first and second days. The remaining five
\nworks will be featured during the second program on the last day.<\/p>\n
\"If the audience feels satisfied after watching the first
\nprogram, they should come and see the second program,\" said
\nTablico, who was accompanied by Gedung Kesenian manageress Farida
\nFeisol.<\/p>\n
Seven of the 12 items to be performed here are choreographed
\nby Agnes Locsin, the group's resident choreographer.<\/p>\n
An international award-winner renowned for her uniquely
\nPhilippine neo-ethnic choreography, Locsin has a reputation of
\nmolding her dances into technical powerhouses.<\/p>\n
Audiences can find some of that in Paglalakbay, a neo-ethnic
\nopening item which charts a man's journey across land and sea in
\nsearch for a place to call home.<\/p>\n
The opening piece, Igorot, a marriage of ethnic and classical
\nballet, is inspired by the ritual dances of the Igorot tribe from
\nthe Philippines' mountain province of the same name.<\/p>\n
In Taong Talangka, Locsin wants to reveal the animistic nature
\nof the diverse folk and ethnic dances in the Philippines. The
\nshort international-award winning contemporary piece draws
\ninspiration from this tradition as it simulates the movements of
\ncrabs.<\/p>\n
According to Tablico, the first eight-piece program lasts one
\nhour and 45 minutes and the second around one and a half hours.<\/p>\n
After their show in Jakarta, Ballet Philippines will fly to
\nSingapore for two performances on June 12 and June 13. All the
\ntickets for the shows in the island republic have already sold
\nout.<\/p>\n
Tickets for their performances in Jakarta are available at
\nGedung Kesenian (Ph. 021 344 1892 or 021 380 8283). (bsr)<\/p>",
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