A kingdom awaits, a princess sleeps, and a curse lingers—until love breaks through. This March, Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season with Sleeping Beauty, the grand finale of its Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can experience Aurora’s journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and on March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. All performances will feature the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov.
The stories of fairy-tale princesses have transcended generations, and Ballet Manila brings them to life through dance. Every leap, turn, and gesture embodies the grace, innocence, and gentleness of these beloved heroines. Making this production especially enchanting, Sleeping Beauty is directed and choreographed by Ballet Manila Artistic Director and CEO Lisa Macuja Elizalde.
“What excites me in this production is how Sleeping Beauty finally completes our Princess Trilogy. It feels like all the stories we’ve been telling are coming together in one magical universe,” says Macuja Elizalde.
Adding to the spectacle, Cinderella and Snow White will make special appearances alongside Aurora, creating a rare and whimsical convergence of the princesses on stage.
The finale also coincides with a historic milestone: the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s centennial year. Macuja Elizalde expressed her delight in performing Tchaikovsky’s original score with the orchestra, highlighting the enduring partnership between music and dance in Philippine culture.
“It is such a delight that we are performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra. Playing Tchaikovsky’s original music makes it even more special, and I look forward to sharing this with everyone,” she shared.
Manila Symphony Orchestra President Maan Hontiveros notes that this collaboration reflects the union of tradition and innovation:
“Lisa has been a steadfast supporter of the orchestra, and her vision has helped bring this partnership to life in ways that honor both tradition and innovation. While there was a hiatus during the pandemic, it was timely that we’re back doing a joint performance as we celebrate our 100th year.”
Since 2011, Ballet Manila and the Manila Symphony Orchestra have fostered a creative partnership that enriches Philippine performing arts. The Princess Trilogy’s finale with Sleeping Beauty celebrates not only the culmination of Ballet Manila’s storytelling arc but also the enduring collaboration between dance and live music.
Audiences are invited to witness how ballet and orchestra together continue to shape the cultural stage of the Philippines with artistry that endures.
For schedules and ticket information, visit Ballet Manila or Ticketworld.
