A white swan queen, a damsel in distress, a poor woodcutter, and other beloved fairytale characters brought the magic to the stage in Ballet Philippines latest production. The premier dance company kicked off the holiday season with its spectacular “Christmas Fairytales” show, featuring the woven tales of “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Alibaba,” “Sleeping Beauty,” "Swan Lake.”
But during its gala night last Dec. 15, the enchanting beauty of ballet was not only witnessed on the stage. That night, Ballet Philippines also unveiled its latest partnership with Pintô Art Museum. Dubbed “Ballet in Pintô,” the exhibit featured pieces celebrating the harmonious convergence of visual arts and dance. Curated by Ferdie Montemayor, it highlighted the grace, discipline, passion, and poses ballet dancers possess through a series of painting, sculpture, photography, among others. Also leading the collaboration were Ballet Philippines president Kathleen Liechtenstein and Pintô Art Museum founder Dr. Joven Cuanang.
“The idea of capturing movements on canvas is like breathing air,” Kathleen said. “It’s magical, timeless and fascinating. I offered the idea of having a group of artist’s paint ballerinas while dancing, rehearsing and moving to Dr. Cuanang through Viber, and in 17 minutes he agreed!”
To make the artworks, Pintô invited the Ballet Philippines dancers to the museum’s Academy Room last July for a day of art and dance. The artists were to witness the dancers rehearse and perform, sparking inspiration for their art.
“I see this [collaboration] as two hearts beating as one. Two art forms are coming together as one—the performing arts and the visual arts,” Ferdie said.
After months of preparation, the “Ballet in Pintô” was ready to be launched. During the run of “Christmas Fairytales,” the facade of The Theatre at Solaire was decked with works of artist such as Anthony Palomo, Anton Belardo, Arturo Sanchez Jr., Benjie Reyes, Ces Eugenio, Chino Yulo, CJ Tanedo, Dana Bote, Daniel Dela Cruz, Demetrio Dela Cruz, Erwin Leaño, Ferdie Montemayor, Gerardo Jimenez, Guerrero RG Habulan, Hermes Alegre, and Japs Antido.
Completing the list were Jerson Samson, Jik Villanueva, Jim Orencio, JP Duray, Katrina Cuenca, Keiye Miranda, Orley Ypon, Othoniel Otto Neri, Pearle Saprid, Pranz Kaeno Billones, Roma Valles, Sandra Fabie-Gfeller, Steph Lopez, and Vincent Diñoso.
“I’m not sure if there’s been a collaboration as monumental as what Dr. Cuanang has organized for Ballet Philippines,” Ferdie said. “Solaire is not a gallery space, so we need to bring the gallery into Solaire. The show will only last three days, and it’s laborious and costly. But I’ll do anything for art.”
To know more about the artworks featured at “Ballet in Pintô” exhibit, visit @balletphilippines or @pinto.art.museum.
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