2 days to go and it's the Gala night of Ballet Manila's 20th Anniversary Concert. So, if you haven't bought a ticket please do so. If you're not a fan of ballet the more I'll encourage you to watch the show. Ballet is not as boring as it sounds. It's actually a very interesting form of art. It's different, it's full of passion and it's a must-watch.

And to give you some of what you can expect on the concert here's a short clip from the preview last week.

"Tara Let's" is Ballet Manila's way to reach more Filipino viewers. It showcases OPM music and choreography. 

On the interview with Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde she shared, "nakita ko sa Russia maski sino nanunuod ng ballet so talagang sabi ko sana ganito din ang suporta at audience namin sa Pilipinas. 

Para sa akin ang isang performing artist hindi lang dapat magsayaw sa TV o sa mga audience na nakaka-afford bumili ng ticket, kailangan talaga i-expose mo sila (ballet dancers) sa paligid. Dadalhin mo 'ung pinaghirapan mo ng husto sa studio, 'ung pinag-praktisan mo at ibinigay mo 'ung buong buhay mo para magawa...Bakit ka magsasayaw lang para sa sampung tao?

Magsayaw ka para sa lahat. 'Yun talaga 'ung mission ko from the very beginning...to really bring more people to the ballet and bring ballet to people."

I admire Ms. Lisa's passion and determination. She worked hard to master her craft and was able to share to the world her talent. Now, after dancing her way to success she passed on that dream to the new generation. I remember way back in elementary, I used to see her pictures on History and MAPEH books only. Then, on high school and college I was fortunate enough to watch a few ballet concerts featuring her. Now, I was able to personally meet her (I was dumbfounded). I hope the new generation would appreciate ballet too. I was actually surprised to find out that Ms. Dawna, principal ballerina was younger than me. She's so professional and yet she's doing her best to improve herself. I have only watch her once but she radiates the same passion to share ballet to the Filipino crowd. Another soloist is Mr. Elpidio, who is also a college student. He said that even though he had a hard time managing his school works and ballet practices, he still wanted to dance. 

Both of them only show that ballet is not irksome and it is not only for rich kids. Ballet Manila also offers dance scholarships to public school students who wanted to become ballet dancers. Project Ballet Futures not only conduct ballet classes, they also feed the students with full meals and vitamins for their nourishment 6 days a week as well as free ballet uniforms and shoes. 

Ms. Lisa continues her work as the Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Manila. She will continue to hone young artists at the Ballet Manila School.