26 June 2022
We are grateful to have been the host for Dancespace’s summer ballet program, which allowed aspiring students to reach their goals, whether it be to learn how to do a flawless fouetté, a wonderfully executed grand jeté, or take one step closer to achieve their dreams of being a prima ballerina.
After two years of no live performances, Danspace Ballet School celebrated its 22nd anniversary with a summer recital at the Manila Polo Club, Main Ballroom last June 12, 2022.
There were 42 students who performed, ages 4 years old and above. The program started with the Welcome Remarks by Danspace Ballet School’s director, Maritoni Rufino Tordesillas who dedicated the recital to her late father and past president of the MPC, Antonio A. Rufino.
“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way”.
The awarding ceremony followed for the Ballet Conservatoire Distinction recipients. The BC is the training method that the school uses, it is based on the Russian Vaganova style of classical ballet. 13 students took the exam with the author, Ms. Christine Walsh, AM zooming in from Melbourne, Australia.
Four students received Distinctions: Eliana Bitong for Preparatory Level 1, Lucia Araneta for Level 2, Tatiana Araneta and Micaela Manalo for Level 3.
The first part of the program showcased neo-classical, classical, and contemporary dances that were performed for online ballet competitions and a recent provincial tour. The second part was entitled: “Lockdown Diaries,” a dancer’s memoir about the last two years of the pandemic. Dances like; Venomous Virus, Awesome Ayuda, Glamorous Garbage, Prayer, Hope, Love were presented.
The 25-minute ballet was conceptualized and directed by Maritoni Tordesillas and choreographed by Danspace teachers; Melvin Martinez, Jiny Jane Ferrer, and Erika Garcia Marcos to music from Coppelia by Leo Delibes.
Danspace Ballet School continues to train students year-round and will start School Year 2022 – 2023 on July 1. Registration is ongoing. Contact Jazmin at the Sports and Games office.