The timeless epic “Florante at Laura” by Francisco Balagtas has inspired generations of Filipinos through poetry, film, and stage adaptations. Now, the classic leaps back into the spotlight with fresh energy as Ballet Manila brings its critically acclaimed interpretation back to the Aliw Theater. Leading it is Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, one of the country’s first prima ballerinas, who serves as both creative leader and mentor to the company’s dancers.

For Lisa, “Florante at Laura” is a chance to prove that classical literature can be as thrilling and relevant as the latest streaming hit. Before the show unveils onstage, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle talked to Lisa, who shared valuable lessons for today’s youth.

I probably would have been kinder to my body. Looking back, I probably would not have danced through pain. I would not have pushed myself to dance when I was sick, nursing injuries, or just recovering from one. I probably would have slowed down my schedule and, again, not pushed my body. I remember a time when I was dancing Giselle with stress fractures, and it was really painful. But you know, when you’re young, you think it’s do or die. So I probably would have been kinder to myself and just said, “Look, I’m injured, I cannot.” Instead of forcing myself to go onstage even when I was in pain and not feeling 100 percent.

No regrets. I was sort of forced to come home by circumstances when I was not given the work visa to stay in London and dance with Sadler’s Wells. But I actually called that destiny because I think I was really meant to come home and be based in the Philippines.

To persevere. Kids nowadays like instant results and instant gratification. People feel that, “Oh, you do a workshop here or three days of training there and you’re going to become good.” No, that’s not the case, especially for a skill that takes years and years of practice. So I would encourage teens today to develop perseverance and patience.

Actually, all life skills are related to dance skills, if you ask me. Discipline, determination, hard work, perseverance, commitment, sacrifice—that all goes hand in hand with any success story. I’m an example of that because I was not born with a perfect body for ballet, but I really worked hard. I had coordination and other gifts that I was able to develop. Nobody is born a dancer, and nobody is born into success. Although there are Nepo babies now. But it’s also about what you make of yourself. Early on, you get the superior training—whether it’s at a university, a school, or a ballet company—that becomes your foundation. Then you build on that foundation. And that applies to any career, not just dance or the performing arts.

First of all, commit to a goal, a career, or a choice. Make a decision and commit—that’s number one. That’s the first step. I tell my kids this: Once the decision is made, you commit to it and seek the best possible way to attain that goal. Whether it’s deciding to become the best programmer, for example, then you look for the best school that will teach you the skills to become one. Once you are in that nurturing environment—whether with a mentor, a teacher, a school, or a company—you work hard at achieving it. You put in the hours, you make sacrifices, and you try to achieve that balance between work and life. Because at the end of the day, what matters most is whether you feel happy and accomplished when you finally achieve the goal you committed to as early as possible, so that you give yourself time. Because time is really valuable. You can’t decide at the age of 40 to become a prima ballerina. It has to happen earlier in life.

With its stunning choreography, electrifying music, and the nurturing presence of a true mentor, Ballet Manila’s “Florante at Laura” isn’t just a ballet. It’s an invitation for today’s youth to celebrate their roots, embrace creativity, and see that tradition and innovation can share the same stage.