ballet philippines

Ballet Philippines (BP) is the preeminent professional classical and contemporary dance company in the country. The first resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it was founded in 1969 by National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes and Eddie Elejar. It is widely recognized today as a cornerstone of contemporary Filipino identity. With a treasure trove of almost 500 choreographic 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 Philippines 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. 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 Ballet Philippines Dance School, continues to produce dancers of international caliber. BPDS provides top-notch training to students from various walks of life. The school currently supports over two hundred scholars yearly through the Noordin Jumalon Scholarship Program. The Ballet Philippines Dance School has branches at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, SM Aura Premier, Greenhills Theatre Mall, and Victoria Sports Tower.