CEBU CITY – Balletcenter Cebu returns to the stage with its upcoming production, “Balletcenter Spectacular: Best of the Movies,” on June 28 and 29 at the SM Seaside City Cebu CenterStage, to mark its studio reconstruction after the devastating fire in May 2024 that destroyed decades’ worth of costumes, sets, and history.
“The show is a celebration of our students’ dedication and a love letter to film and dance and more than that, it’s a symbol of how the arts can recover, rebuild, and continue to inspire,” Ana Michelle Kesner, Executive Director of Balletcenter Cebu said during the press conference on June 25 at the Brique Restaurant, Ayala Mall.
Kesner told the media that the production marks a pivotal moment in the Balletcenter’s journey, that despite the tragedy, the school has continued to train dancers across Cebu and is now moving forward with renewed hope and resilience.
“All proceeds of the show are for the rebuilding of the Balletcenter Studio and for its community outreach training and scholarship programs, and other production and costumes costs,” Kesner added.
Kesner and her team invite everyone to watch the show with tickets priced at P1,000; P750 and P500 that are available online at its Facebook page: @balletcenterofcebu and on Instagram: @balletcentercebu or call Ana Michelle Kesner, executive director at 0976-0021326 for details and bookings.
Ballet Master- Mhynard Etis, fondly called Sir M, shared that the “Balletcenter Spectacular: Best of the Movies” production features reimagined ballet interpretations of some 40 beloved movie soundtracks and cinematic moments, showcasing over 250 young dancers, including scholarship recipients and advanced students. The production runs for two hours each on June 28 and 29.
Get to know Balletcenter Cebu
Balletcenter Center is Cebu’s longest-running classical ballet school, founded in 1951 with a legacy that traces back to the pioneering vision of Madame Fe Sala Villarica, renowned for producing world-class dancers and fostering a deep appreciation for classical dance.
At the heart of Balletcenter’s excellence are its esteemed Co-Artistic Directors: Nicolas Pacaña and Gregory Aaron. Pacaña, a Garbo sa Sugbu and Sugbuhanong Bahandi Awardee, trained at Balletcenter before launching an international career as a Principal Dancer with the Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Honolulu City Ballet.
Aaron on the other hand, brings with him a wealth of global experience, having danced with The Hartford Ballet, toured with Rudolf Nureyev and The Boston Ballet, and starred as the Nutcracker Prince in James Canfield’s The Nutcracker with Pacific Ballet Theatre.
Kesner bared that these two ballet legends led Balletcenter Cebu for nearly two decades, establishing it as a hub for international training, performances, and festivals. Together, they shaped Balletcenter Cebu into more than just a school-- it is a home where passion meets discipline, and where Cebu’s next generation of dancers are trained by true legends, and a cornerstone of Cebu’s cultural heritage. (Photos: MBCNewman/ Balletcenter FB)
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