On February 5, 2026, at Aliw Theater, Ballet Manila and The Dawn celebrated their 40th anniversaries with the premiere of The Dawn of Ballet, a unique collaboration blending live music with contemporary ballet in a first-of-its-kind performance.
From the moment the lights dimmed, the theater radiated excitement. Ballet dancers moved with precision and grace, translating the iconic songs of The Dawn into powerful, visual narratives. Each number became a story of emotion, movement, and rhythm, capturing the energy of the band while giving audiences a fresh way to experience both music and dance. The seamless fusion of sound and choreography created a vibrant, immersive atmosphere, leaving everyone in attendance captivated.
The concept of The Dawn of Ballet transforms the traditional “Ballet & Ballads” format. Instead of isolated dance numbers interspersed with music, the show integrates full-length dance performances directly with The Dawn’s songs, chosen personally by the band members—Jett Pangan, JB Leonor, Francis Reyes, Sancho Sanchez, and Bim Yance. The result is a collaboration where dancers are not merely supporting the music but interpreting it, making each movement a conversation between the ballet and the band.
This free two-night show, part of Ballet Manila’s “Ballet & Ballads” series produced by Manila Broadcasting Company, will be staged on February 20 and 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM, with tickets available through reservation. Audiences can expect an experience that celebrates four decades of artistry for both the band and the ballet company.
The press preview also offered a glimpse into Ballet Manila’s 2026 PRIMA Performance Season, featuring classical works like Sleeping Beauty in March, Paquita in June, and La Bayadère in August, with guest artists Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim appearing for the latter. Yet it was The Dawn of Ballet that drew the most attention, signaling a bold step toward accessible, innovative performances that merge contemporary storytelling with Filipino musical heritage.
The collaboration represents more than just a performance—it embodies Ballet Manila’s ongoing mission to make classical dance relevant and engaging for modern audiences. Forty years after prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde returned from the Kirov Ballet in Moscow to make ballet a part of Filipino life, The Dawn of Ballet reflects a spirit of experimentation, inclusivity, and artistic celebration.
By reimagining the stories behind each song and bringing them to life through movement, the production invites viewers to see ballet as a living, evolving art form. When the curtain rises later this month, The Dawn of Ballet will not only mark a milestone for two iconic institutions but also offer audiences an unforgettable fusion of music, motion, and cultural pride. (with reports from Lau Balocos)
