Ballet Philippines in Oct. tour of US West Coast, British Columbia

Ballet Philippines President Margie Moran Floirendo

SEATTLE, Washington — Now in its 45th year, Ballet Philippines will be back in the US West Coast and British Columbia in Canada for a month-long tour in October, in time for Filipino-American Heritage Month.

The company will perform “Master Pieces,” which showcases some of the best works from the company’s wide-ranging repertoire.

Ballet Philippines (BP) is the premier classical and contemporary dance company in the Philippines; it is a resident dance company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Former Miss Universe Margie Moran-Floirendo is on her sixth, year leading the longest running dance company in Southeast Asia.

Alice Reyes, recently declared Philippine National Artist for Dance and co-founder of Ballet Philippines said, “I think Margie is the perfect match for the company.”

Founded by Reyes with the help of Eddie Elejar, BP has come a long way in producing excellent productions and outstanding dancers, with an unparalleled 400 choreographic works in its repertoire.

“Ballet Philippines has been touring around the world in all its years. The last time we were in the US was in 1998,” said Moran. “We performed in The Kennedy Center. We don’t take it lightly that the company reached this milestone. Being here for 45 years is a big achievement. We ought to celebrate and what better way than to share the gift of dance with Pinoys and the Filipinos-at-heart abroad.”

Moran added: “It is my hope that this tour would open more doors for Ballet Philippines on the international dance scene. I have seen local and foreign audiences stand and applaud in awe. In the Yeosu Expo in South Korea in 2012, audiences crowded outside the performance hall and waited for a chance to come in and watch Ballet Philippines.”

Being company president is a volunteer job, but the responsibility is great. Moran has to raise funds meet the salaries of dancers and staff, as well as production costs for the season’s concerts.

Ticket sales only make up less than 40 percent of company income; the larger chunk comes from donations from individuals and corporations.

“We were fortunate that we were able to get sponsors and thus make both ends meet,” said Moran. “Being president of Ballet Philippines involves taking care of some 50 dancers. We book a hundred performances a year, including mall and school shows.”

The Philippine Council for NGO Certification categorized Ballet Philippines as a donee foundation. BP is only one of two arts companies awarded with the distinction.

“In other words, sustaining a dance company is not just about passion,” Moran said. “You also need discipline in getting the company’s financial ledger in order. We have to be credible to the donors and patrons of the arts.”

Margie has bigger plans for the company. “One is that Filipinos would come to know Ballet Philippines and say with pride that Ballet Philippines is homegrown. Another is to make the company more sustainable. We recently launched our page in Give2Asia where international donors can easily and securely send their contributions to Ballet Philippines. We also have a recurring donation option in our website where supporters can send their donations monthly. It helps the regular cash flow needs of the company.”

When asked what made her go through the difficult times, Margie shared, “When you see the dancers give their best in performances – this is the best reward for me. After all, not everything in this world is about money.” Dancers do not perform for money but money will certainly help them.

Ballet Philippines’ North American tour includes the following dates and venues: Pasadena Civic Center – Los Angeles (Oct.4), California Theater – San Jose (Oct.12), Lincoln Hall – Portland State University (Oct 15), Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts – Olympia (Oct. 17), Highline Performing Arts Center – Seattle (Oct.22) and Chandos Pattison Auditorium – British Columbia (Oct.25).
Call and get your tickets now!

To contribute to Ballet Philippines through GIVE2ASIA visit https://www.give2asia.org/BP and to support the company through recurring donations, visit BP’s website www.ballet.ph or send an email at [email protected] to know more about how to send your donations.