Ballet Manila celebrates 30 years of excellence and artistry with Swan Lake featuring San Francisco Ballet superstars

Ballet Manila continues the celebration of its 30th Anniversary with the restaging of the beloved classic, Swan Lake featuring an exceptional roster of ballet stars from San Francisco Ballet.

“Bringing this masterpiece to life for our 30th anniversary season is very monumental as it underscores Ballet Manila’s dedication to the highest standards of classical ballet,” explains Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director.

This is further reinforced by Swan Lake’s two pairs of powerful main leads. On May 30, 2025 (8PM), May 31, 2025 (5PM), and June 1, 2025 (5PM), the production will be led by San Francisco’s first soloist Katherine Barkman, who will return to her Ballet Manila home stage to perform the dual roles Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan). A former mentee of Macuja Elizalde and principal dancer of Ballet Manila, Barkman will wow the audience with her mesmerizing technique and emotional depth in portraying the characters.

Dancing alongside Barkman is another award-winning danseur, Esteban Hernandez, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet, whose commanding presence and exceptional virtuosity will breathe life into the character of Prince Siegfried.

On May 31, 2025 and June 1, 2025, audiences will see a fresh take on the main characters with matinee performances at 1PM featuring Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet soloist, Nathaniel Remez taking the lead.

This staging of Swan Lake highlights the seamless fusion of international and local talent, offering audiences a rare opportunity to witness world-class ballet artistry.

For Macuja Elizalde, the choice of Swan Lake for Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year is deeply personal, having portrayed the iconic lead role herself. Reflecting on its significance, she shares, “Swan Lake has always been one of my most beloved roles. The duality of Odette and Odile pushes a ballerina to her limits, both technically and emotionally.”

Lisa Macuja Elizalde invites audiences to immerse in the beauty of Swan Lake by catching the performances on May 30 at 8:00 PM, May 31 and June 1 at 5:00 PM with a special matinee performances on May 31 and June 1 at 1:00 PM.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.