Learn Ballet from Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja- Elizalde
March 28, 2015Activities for Kids, Ballet Manila, Fun Activities, Press Release, Summer Activities,
Nothing beats learning from the expert. When it comes to classical
ballet, no one could ever surpass the achievements of Lisa Macuja- Elizalde.
Lisa started taking lessons in ballet at age 8. She would later
become a scholar at the Vaganova Choreographic
Institute also known as the Academy of Russian Ballet at Saint Petersburg, Russia.
She is the first foreigner to join Russia's Kirov Ballet.
Lisa was the first artist-in-residence of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines and in 1995 she established her very own
company, Ballet Manila. The company recently celebrated its 20th
anniversary.
In 2014, Lisa celebrated 30 graceful years of stunning ballet
performances. She has happily retired from performing and is now focused on
mentoring future ballerinas as Directress of the School of Ballet Manila.
Lisa's school is the only Philippine ballet
school directly associated with the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in St.
Petersburg, Russia.
"What makes us different from other
companies is our commitment to the highest standards of classical ballet based
on our Russian Vaganova roots," Lisa explains.
One of the main training techniques of classical
ballet, the distinct characteristic of this style is the ballerina's flexible
shoulder motion as each step is executed. Other dancers simply move with
"square" shoulders.
"The Vaganova method involves the entire
body. Arms, legs and torso move in perfect harmony. Dancers trained by this
method jump higher and do powerful turns. The technique require dancers to
remain in the air for a long time, as if they are floating," she said.
If your children are showing interest in dance, why not send them
to ballet classes during the summer vacation? Ballet Manila offers several
novel and fun programs for young and talented dancers. Apart from the basics of
the dance art, the classes follow a holistic approach by including fun activities
for a more engaging summer endeavor.
For example, apart from ballet techniques taught in the baby
ballet class, the students learn to play musical instruments and create props
using fabrics. The intensive dance exercises in the intermediate class is
combined with street dance, yoga and pilates. There will also be lectures on injury prevention, film screening about
ballet and inter-active workshops with theater artists.
Ballet Manila’s summer intensive program is composed of the
following classes:
Maria Ballerina
The Maria Ballerina Class is for students from 3-5 years old. They
will learn proper ballet techniques, develop motor skills, coordination, rhythm
and musicality. The students will also
work with fabrics, props and musical instruments for a more enhanced learning
experience.
Fairy Tale Ballet
The Fairy Tale Ballet Class with Tap and Tumble is for students
ages 6-8. Combined with magical fairy tale dances and stories, students learn
to appreciate self-control, joy in movement, body awareness, rhythm, musicality
along with the structure of classical ballet. It also includes classes in Tap
Dance, Tumbling and Gymnastics for musicality and rhythm development.
Beginner
Beginner Ballet Class is for young dancers ages 7-12 with no or limited ballet experience or training. The springboard course
for classical ballet, aside from basic movements, concepts of rhythm, space,
direction and music patterns are reinforced.
Intermediate
The Intermediate level is for students ages 12-14 open to boys and
girls with previous ballet training. The classes include advanced barre work,
intensive exercises and combinations, partnering and classical variations. The
students will also learn street dance, yoga, pilates plus enrichment workshops
to boost their dance appreciation.
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Advanced
The Advance Level is for ages 14 years old and above with several
years of ballet training. Also known as the pre-professional level, aside from
the more complicated exercises and dance combinations it covers repertoire and
variation learning which encourage students to become more expressive. The
program includes additional classes in modern and contemporary dances like
street dance, yoga and pilates, secondary classes in ballet technique and
partnering and enrichment workshops.
Adult Classes
One is never too old to pursue a passion. Ballet Manila also
offers classes for the young at heart. The adult ballet classes accept students
who are willing to learn, including those minimal or zero dance background.
The
summer workshop will run from April
6 - May 31; with enrollment ongoing
until April 19. All participants will be part of the summer recital on May 31
at the Aliw Theater, where students will have a chance to perform alongside
senior Ballet Manila dancers.
Ballet Manila is located at 1915 Donada Street, Pasay City and has
a satellite school in Crossfit Halcyon in Fisher Mall.
Interested parties may enroll at Ticketworld outlets or via www.ticketworld.com.ph. All BPI credit card holders are entitled to
an exclusive 20-25% discount off tuition fees.
For inquiries, email info@balletmanila.com.ph
or call (+632) 400 0292 and (+632) 525 5967.
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1 comments
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post. I am dancing, yoga and barre class lover. I feel good and flexible by doing these. I got to know many new things from your blog. Thank you very much. I am refreshed.
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