Exactly forty years ago, Lisa Macuja Elizalde made a life-defining decision. At the height of her international career with the Kirov Ballet, now known as the Mariinsky Ballet, she chose to return home to the Philippines. That moment marked the beginning of a mission that would change the local arts landscape.
Today, the Lisa Macuja Elizalde 40th homecoming is celebrated through a full season of curated performances that honor her vision of bringing ballet closer to the Filipino people.
PRIMA Performance Season Honors a Legacy
The milestone year unfolds through Ballet Manila’s PRIMA Performance Season. The program highlights classical works rooted in the Vaganova tradition, reflecting Ballet Manila’s commitment to discipline, precision, and accessibility.
The season opens with a landmark collaboration that bridges generations and genres. On February 20 and 21 at Aliw Theater, Ballet Manila presents a special production with The Dawn, reimagining the band’s iconic songs through ballet. Staged at 8:00 p.m., the performance connects two 40-year journeys through movement and music.
Ballet & Ballads: Making Ballet Accessible
The collaboration forms part of the Ballet & Ballads series, produced by Manila Broadcasting Company. Conceived in Ballet Manila’s early years by Fred J. Elizalde, the series was designed to remove barriers to classical ballet.
By pairing ballet with mainstream artists and offering free or minimal ticket pricing, Ballet & Ballads has played a crucial role in making ballet approachable to wider audiences. This philosophy continues to define the Lisa Macuja Elizalde 40th homecoming celebrations.
A Season of Classical Masterworks
The PRIMA Performance Season continues with a lineup of landmark productions. Sleeping Beauty will be staged on March 14 and 15, 2026 at Aliw Theater, accompanied live by the Manila Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Alexander Vikulov.
Paquita follows on June 20 and 21, 2026, showcasing Ballet Manila’s classical strength and Vaganova heritage. The season culminates with La Bayadère on August 22 and 23, 2026, featuring the return of Mariinsky Ballet guest artists Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim.
A Year of Performances Beyond the Main Stage
Beyond the main season, Ballet Manila’s 2026 calendar includes Ibong Adarna performances in Dumaguete in February and at Ateneo’s Areté in October. The company also embarks on an international tour in Kuala Lumpur in September, followed by the Holiday Cheer Series in December.
These performances frame the Lisa Macuja Elizalde 40th homecoming as more than a celebration. It becomes a cultural cycle completed and a future opened.
A Vision That Continues to Belong to Filipinos
Reflecting on the milestone, Lisa shared that her decision to return home was rooted in one belief: ballet belongs to the Filipino people. Four decades later, that belief continues to guide Ballet Manila’s work.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s 40th homecoming is not just a personal marker. It is proof that ballet can endure, evolve, and thrive when grounded in purpose, community, and love for home.
For updates on performances and celebrations, visit Ballet Manila’s official website or TicketWorld.
