Revived by True Love’s Kiss: Ballet Manila Opens PRIMA Performance Season with the Timeless Classic Sleeping Beauty
kl3yrr
March 05, 2026
A kingdom waits in silence, a princess lies under a powerful spell, and only true love’s kiss can break the curse. This March, Ballet Manila opens its much-anticipated PRIMA Performance Season with the beloved fairy tale ballet Sleeping Beauty, the grand finale of its successful Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can witness Aurora’s magical journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater.
All performances will feature live music by the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), conducted by Maestro Alexander Vikulov, bringing to life the iconic score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The collaboration promises a breathtaking fusion of classical ballet and orchestral grandeur, offering audiences a truly immersive cultural experience in Manila.
A Grand Finale to the Princess Trilogy
The PRIMA Performance Season marks a milestone for Ballet Manila, as Sleeping Beauty completes the company’s Princess Trilogy—following its successful stagings of other fairy tale favorites. Under the direction and choreography of Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, this production promises both elegance and innovation.
For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the finale is deeply meaningful. She shares that what excites her most is how Sleeping Beautybrings the entire Princess Trilogy together into one magical universe. In this special iteration, audiences will be delighted to see Aurora joined on stage by Cinderella and Snow White—creating a rare and enchanting crossover moment that celebrates the timeless appeal of fairy tale heroines.
Through graceful leaps, intricate turns, and expressive storytelling, Ballet Manila continues its tradition of excellence in classical ballet in the Philippines. The company’s adaptation of Sleeping Beauty highlights not only technical mastery but also emotional depth, capturing the innocence, strength, and beauty that have defined princess stories for generations.
A Celebration of Music and Dance
This production also coincides with a significant milestone for the Manila Symphony Orchestra as it quietly celebrates its centennial year. For 100 years, MSO has played a vital role in shaping the Philippine classical music scene. Its partnership with Ballet Manila underscores the enduring relationship between music and dance in Filipino cultural life.
Performing Tchaikovsky’s original score live elevates the experience, adding richness and emotional intensity to every scene—from the christening celebration to the climactic awakening. Lisa expressed her delight at once again collaborating with the orchestra, noting how special it is to share the stage with musicians who bring such passion and artistry to each performance.
MSO President Maan Hontiveros reflected on the partnership, emphasizing how music feeds the soul and, when joined with ballet, creates a legacy that endures across generations. She also acknowledged Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s steadfast support for the orchestra, especially as both institutions continue to honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Although Ballet Manila and the Manila Symphony Orchestra have collaborated since 2011, their artistic bond has only strengthened over time. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, their reunion on stage for this centennial celebration feels especially timely and meaningful.
A Must-See Ballet Event in Manila
The staging of Sleeping Beauty is more than just a ballet performance in Manila—it is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and collaboration. As Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season, audiences are invited to experience world-class ballet accompanied by a live orchestra, right in the heart of Pasay City.
Whether you are a long-time ballet enthusiast or discovering classical dance for the first time, this production offers a magical evening filled with romance, spectacle, and timeless music. As the curtain falls, Sleeping Beauty not only concludes the Princess Trilogy but also reaffirms Ballet Manila’s commitment to elevating Philippine performing arts on the global stage.
For tickets and complete schedules of Ballet Manila’s 2026 performances and special events, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or check the TicketWorld page at www.ticketworld.com.ph.
A kingdom waits in silence, a princess lies under a powerful spell, and only true love’s kiss can break the curse. This March, Ballet Manila...All performances will feature live music by the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), conducted by Maestro Alexander Vikulov, bringing to life the iconic score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The collaboration promises a breathtaking fusion of classical ballet and orchestral grandeur, offering audiences a truly immersive cultural experience in Manila.
A Grand Finale to the Princess Trilogy
The PRIMA Performance Season marks a milestone for Ballet Manila, as Sleeping Beauty completes the company’s Princess Trilogy—following its successful stagings of other fairy tale favorites. Under the direction and choreography of Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, this production promises both elegance and innovation.
For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the finale is deeply meaningful. She shares that what excites her most is how Sleeping Beautybrings the entire Princess Trilogy together into one magical universe. In this special iteration, audiences will be delighted to see Aurora joined on stage by Cinderella and Snow White—creating a rare and enchanting crossover moment that celebrates the timeless appeal of fairy tale heroines.
Through graceful leaps, intricate turns, and expressive storytelling, Ballet Manila continues its tradition of excellence in classical ballet in the Philippines. The company’s adaptation of Sleeping Beauty highlights not only technical mastery but also emotional depth, capturing the innocence, strength, and beauty that have defined princess stories for generations.
A Celebration of Music and Dance
This production also coincides with a significant milestone for the Manila Symphony Orchestra as it quietly celebrates its centennial year. For 100 years, MSO has played a vital role in shaping the Philippine classical music scene. Its partnership with Ballet Manila underscores the enduring relationship between music and dance in Filipino cultural life.
Performing Tchaikovsky’s original score live elevates the experience, adding richness and emotional intensity to every scene—from the christening celebration to the climactic awakening. Lisa expressed her delight at once again collaborating with the orchestra, noting how special it is to share the stage with musicians who bring such passion and artistry to each performance.
MSO President Maan Hontiveros reflected on the partnership, emphasizing how music feeds the soul and, when joined with ballet, creates a legacy that endures across generations. She also acknowledged Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s steadfast support for the orchestra, especially as both institutions continue to honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Although Ballet Manila and the Manila Symphony Orchestra have collaborated since 2011, their artistic bond has only strengthened over time. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, their reunion on stage for this centennial celebration feels especially timely and meaningful.
A Must-See Ballet Event in Manila
The staging of Sleeping Beauty is more than just a ballet performance in Manila—it is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and collaboration. As Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season, audiences are invited to experience world-class ballet accompanied by a live orchestra, right in the heart of Pasay City.
Whether you are a long-time ballet enthusiast or discovering classical dance for the first time, this production offers a magical evening filled with romance, spectacle, and timeless music. As the curtain falls, Sleeping Beauty not only concludes the Princess Trilogy but also reaffirms Ballet Manila’s commitment to elevating Philippine performing arts on the global stage.
For tickets and complete schedules of Ballet Manila’s 2026 performances and special events, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or check the TicketWorld page at www.ticketworld.com.ph.
.jpg)
.png)
/>
.jpg)
.png)
