Balletcenter Cebu seeks support for “Summer Spectacular 2024” to rebuild its Studio

CEBU CITY – Balletcenter Cebu seeks support from various community sectors to watch the “Summer Spectacular 2024: Music & Lyrics” scheduled on June 29-30 at the SM Seaside Center Stage, marking this as a grand celebration of dance and music to rebuild its Studio.

 “This event is a significant milestone for the Balletcenter’s efforts to rebuild and recover our Studio.  In May 2024, Balletcenter Cebu faced a significant setback when a fire devastated our Studio. Despite this, our commitment to our mission remains steadfast,” Balletcenter Cebu director of strategy and development, Ana Michelle Kesner expressed her appeal for community support, in a press conference on June 18 at the Tajimaya, Crossroads.

Kesner said that members of the Balletcenter Cebu and her team are continuously working on rebuilding its Studio to provide the needed space for its dancers and students. Community support and donations are crucial to these efforts. “Your support will help us rebuild and continue our programs.” she added.

How to Support? Kesner went on that joining them in the Center’s mission, by becoming a sponsor or making a donation. The Balletcenter Cebu offers various sponsorship levels, each with unique benefits, including commission opportunities.  To become a sponsor, contact Ana Michelle Kesner at 0976-0021326 or hello@balletcentercebu.com

               What to expect at the Summer Spectacular 2024?

According to Kesner, “Summer Spectacular 2024” is a show of dance, music and lyrics with performances from the Balletcenter’s talented dancers and exclusive choreographies such as Symphony in C (First Movement) by world-renowned Artistic Director Nicolas Pacaña.

There are also unique pieces choreographed by the center’s talented Ballet Master Mhynard Etis, including ABAP 2023 winning piece, Makiling. The show also features dancers and scholars not just from the main studio but also from its outreach programs in various parts of Cebu, including Lapu-Lapu and Bogo, Kesner bared.

Ballet dancers Cheron Kishes Co and Eunice Molleno shared their experiences with the Balletcenter Cebu from when they started as child and continuously training them to become great ballet dancers.  Cheron bared that ballet dancing teaches her to become poise, self-confident in her demeanor and posture as well as stage presence.  She credits some of her ballet dancing training to her winning the Binibining Lapulapu in 2022.

Eunice Molleno on the other hand, highlights her career performances, discipline and hard work with the Center’s world-class ballet/dance teachers.  Eunice won gold with her performance at the Dancers Spotlight at the Asia Pacific Arts Festival (APAF) 2023 held in Bangkok, Thailand on June 26, 2023.

Meet Mhynard Etis, the Center’s Ballet Master, principal dancer and Choreographer whose journey spans from training at the Royeca School of Ballet to teaching and choreographing at the Balletcenter Cebu and beyond, with guest performances across Southeast Asia. His expertise ranges from ballet and jazz to contemporary and hip-hop, making him a versatile and invaluable mentor.

Mhynard’s career includes major roles in productions like “The Nutcracker”, “Swan Lake”, “Giselle” and “Cinderella” that showcased his talent and versatility.

                   The Balletcenter Cebu, its founders and mentors

 According to Kesner, Madame Fe Sala Villarica, founded the Balletcenter Cebu in 1951 that became the cornerstone of classical dance in Cebu with her visionary guidance and later, artistic directors Nicolas Pacaña and Gregory Aaron trained numerous students, many of whom have received scholarships and acceptance into prestigious ballet schools and companies worldwide.

The mission of Balletcenter Cebu is to nurture talent, educate audiences, and foster a deep appreciation for ballet in the community. The Center believes that in every person thrives on innate talent and given the right inspiration and tools can achieve one's highest potential.

The Balletcenter provides excellent ballet and contemporary dance education, foster on atmosphere of appreciation for the arts, build character, empower individuals to achieve their dreams, and uplift humanity.

Nicolas Pacaña began his professional career with the Honolulu City Ballet and joined The Boston Ballet in 1976, quickly rising to Principal Dancer and now the esteemed Co-Artistic Director of Balletcenter Cebu.

Pacaña’s notable performances include Colas in La Fille Mal Gardee, Albrecht in Giselle, and roles in Balanchine ballets such as Tarantella and Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux. In 1987, he famously replaced Mikhail Baryshnikov in the Don Quixote Pas de Deux with just four hours' notice.

Pacaña joined the Atlanta Ballet in 1982, where he captivated audiences with his roles in The Sleeping Beauty and Carmina Burana. He has choreographed numerous acclaimed ballets, including Paganini, Peter Pan, Beauty & the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.

Since 2006, Pacaña has co-directed Balletcenter Cebu with Gregory Aaron. Renowned globally as an exceptional teacher, coach, and choreographer, his influence continues to grow, inspiring dancers worldwide.

Gregory Aaron in 1986 joined the Pacific Ballet Theatre (now Oregon Ballet Theatre) as the Nutcracker Prince in James Canfield's production of The Nutcracker. His illustrious dance career includes roles such as the Peasant Pas de Deux in Romeo and Juliet with The Hartford Ballet and Man at the Table in The Green Table. He toured internationally, performing with Rudolph Nureyev and The Boston Ballet in Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Giselle.

For 26 years, Aaron co-directed the Atlanta Festival Ballet with Nicolas Pacaña and has led Balletcenter Cebu for eighteen years, fostering international festivals and competitions.  Aaron continues to perform, teach, produce, and choreograph globally.

Known for his distinctive artistic style and ability to create outstanding performances, he passionately encourages each student to experience the beauty of ballet and pursue their dreams.

With these powerhouses, dedicated and passionate ballet performers, expect a sumptuous show of dance, music and flight at the “Summer Spectacular 2024 with the Balletcenter Cebu at the centerstage of art and imagination. (Photos: MBCNewman/Balletcenter Cebu FB)