Ballet Philippines’s “Ang Panaginip” was an ethereal spectacle of choreography paired with brilliant Filipiniana costuming.
Ballet Philippines recently concluded its 55th season with the full-length Filipiniana ballet, Ang Panaginip, loosely adapted from The Dancing Princesses tale. The gala night drew in a considerable crowd, with audiences both young and old curious to see the performance.
The choreography was, of course, front and center—switching between slow, graceful movements and rapid pirouettes and grand jetés, all perfectly synchronized to a grand orchestral score by Glen Aquias, whose horns and strings carried a cinematic grandeur
Filipino designer Jor-el Espina’s costumes were a big highlight: elegant pieces that utilized the local textiles and style sensibilities of traditional garments from across the archipelago. While we caught a glimpse of these costumes during a special preview, seeing them on stage was an entirely different experience—and certainly a milestone for the designer. Ang Panaginip marks Jor-El’s first time crafting pieces for the stage, yet you wouldn’t know it from how effortlessly the fabrics flowed, following each dancer’s movements and giving them distinct silhouettes and characteristics that created a visual feast.
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A Hidden World Of Possibilities
Directed by Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk, the story follows 18 princesses, each one representing a region of the Philippines. Like the original tale it is based on, they all yearn to escape the rigid duties and mundanities of palace life. Led by the eldest and wisest sister, Matalino, they discover a hidden, enchanted world where they can dance as much as they wish with different princes—and, by extension, be whomever they want to be.
However, the Queen, their protective mother, notices their repeated absences each night—as well as their visibly worn-out shoes—and entrusts a young man to follow them, aided by the invisibility cloak of a sorceress, to uncover their secret. Should he succeed, he will earn Matalino’s hand in marriage, but if he fails, he will be executed.
The situation leads to an inner conflict for the prince, who must decide whether to follow orders or his heart. In turn, the princesses—especially Matlino—discover that no person can control their happiness and destiny. Ang Panaginip is more than a love story: it’s also a coming-of-age journey where young women are given the power of choice, rather than being passive in their own narratives.
Adapting A Classic Tale
In an exclusive interview with Lifestyle Asia, librettist Mawi Fojas de Ocampo discussed the story’s significance and archetypes. “With its premiere happening around the time of Women’s Month, we set out to create a ballet that would empower the Filipina—not through a conventional fairytale, but through a narrative that reflects her true strength,” she explains.
As for archetypes, de Ocampo elaborates that the Queen represents society’s outdated expectations that hold women back, limiting beliefs that perpetuate self-doubt, and the glass ceiling. Yet, as a mother to the girls, she paradoxically embodies the loving and protective nature of mothers who only want the best for their children—even if they are not always right.
Meanwhile, the princesses embody the traits and qualities of admirable Filipinas: the highest good inherent in each person, the power of dreams, and the collective strength and beauty of women supporting one another. Even the princes in the magical realm represent authentic friendships and the value of having a support system, showing how far we can go when somebody believes in us.
“By showcasing characters who embrace self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-expression, Ang Panaginip mirrors the struggles and triumphs of real women who are forging their own paths, whether in their careers, personal lives, or creative pursuits,” adds Kathleen Liechtenstein, President of Ballet Philippines.
What’s Next For Ballet Philippines?
While the run of Ang Panaginip has come to an end, Ballet Philippines is just getting started with their 2025 plans, and there’s plenty of new and exciting things in store for the dance company. They’ll soon be representing the country under the Philippine Pavillion for Japan’s Osaka Expo this April for six months, before touring Europe in September, including stops at Budapest, Prague, Athens, and Vienna, among others.
“Bringing Filipino ballet to the global stage is an exhilarating opportunity, and what excites us most is the chance to share our unique storytelling, rich cultural heritage, and boundless artistry with new audiences,” Liechtenstein shares. “Performing at Expo 2025 Osaka for six months is a milestone not just for Ballet Philippines but for Filipino culture as a whole. It allows us to showcase Diyosa, a production that fuses mythology, sustainability, and imagination—concepts that resonate universally while remaining deeply rooted in our identity.”
She adds: “Beyond these major stops, our European tour is an exciting chance to introduce the soul of Filipino dance to a wider audience, proving that ballet can evolve past its Western roots to embrace and celebrate other traditions, perspectives, and narratives.”
For Liechtenstein, what makes the company so unique ultimately boils down to its dedicated dancers. “Ballet Philippines is a company of dancers who embody resilience, passion, and versatility,” she expresses. “We carry with us not just technique but a deep sense of purpose to showcase Filipino artistry on the world stage and to prove that ballet, at its core, is a dynamic and evolving art form, capable of telling stories that transcend borders. This tour is more than just a performance series; it is a testament to the power of dance as a cultural ambassador, and we are honored to share the Filipino spirit with the world.”
Get the latest updates on Ballet Philippines through its official website www.ballet.ph, or follow Ballet Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Ballet Philippines and Before Deadlines.
