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

“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. 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, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director

San Francisco Ballet soloist Katherine Barkman and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez will perform Ballet Manila’s Swan Lake (photo courtesy of Renee-Olson Productions)

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.

Swan Lake's two sets of strong main leads serve to further support this.  The production will be directed by San Francisco's first soloist, Katherine Barkman, who will return to her Ballet Manila home stage to play the twin roles of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan) on May 30, 2025 (8 PM), May 31, 2025 (5 PM), and June 1, 2025 (5 PM).  Barkman, the lead dancer of Ballet Manila and a former mentee of Macuja Elizalde, will captivate the audience with her captivating technique and nuanced emotional portrayal of the characters.

San Francisco Ballet soloist Katherine Barkman (photo courtesy of Renee-Olson Productions)

San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Esteban Hernandez

Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro (photo courtesy of Jojit Lorenzo Photography)

San Francisco Ballet soloist Nathaniel Remez

Esteban Hernandez, the lead dancer of the San Francisco Ballet and another award-winning dancer, will be dancing with Barkman. His imposing presence and extraordinary virtuosity will bring Prince Siegfried to life.

The principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro of Ballet Manila and Nathaniel Remez, a soloist of the San Francisco Ballet, will conduct afternoon performances at 1 PM on May 31, 2025, and June 1, 2025, giving fans a new perspective on the main characters.

This Swan Lake production gives fans a unique chance to see ballet artistry of the highest caliber while showcasing the smooth blending of local and international talent.

For Macuja Elizalde, the choice of Swan Lake for Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year is deeply personal, having portrayed the iconic lead role herself.

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.To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph