BALLET PHILIPPINES BRINGS “MASTER PIECES” TO THE US AND CANADA

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(Los Angeles, CA. September 2014). In celebration of October as Filipino-American Heritage month, Ballet Philippines, the premier ballet company of the Philippines, has announced a four-week North American tour to commemorate their 45th anniversary. The tour begins on Saturday, October 4 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, then goes to the California Theater in San Jose on Sunday, October 12 with performances following in Oregon, Washington and Vancouver. Featuring award-winning, notable works, the performances will highlight different facets of the Filipino indomitable spirit and diverse culture. Ranging from traditional folksongs to the most
contemporary expressions, the production promises to bring a taste of home to many Filipinos here as well as an invitation for all to partake of the fun, dynamic energy of the Philippines.

“Ballet Philippines is the first professional dance company in Southeast Asia and it has made significant contributions to Asian arts and culture in the development of dance through new works and Filipino and international classics,” stated Margie Moran Floirendo, President of Ballet Philippines’ Board of Trustees and former Miss Universe (1973). “It has been over 15 years since we have performed in the United States and we feel that it is a big opportunity for us to celebrate our 45th year by staging a presentation
that has earned critical acclaim at home and abroad for its culturally unique demonstration of Filipino artistry to our Filipino-American audiences. It is our way to contribute to the promotion of our country’s wealth of arts”.

Ballet Philippines will be performing a showcase of several of the company’s best and most celebrated works from notable choreographers which highlights the company’s dual mastery of classical and contemporary dance. The “MasterPieces” repertoire includes George Birkadze’s Farandole, Alden Lugnasin’s Aku, Denisa Reyes’ For the Gods, and Agnes Locsin’s Moriones. The company will also perform The Bungkos Suite, the work of Ballet Philippines founder, Artistic Director Emeritus and just named
Philippines National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes.

Ms. Floirendo and Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales will carry the banner of the Cultural Center of the Philippines as they accompany the tour through the West Coast cities. “The Ballet Philippines performances are ‘one-night only’ exclusive events in the cities they are touring,” explained Becca Godinez, Executive Producer of GodinUs Music, “and I am beyond thrilled that they are able to make this tour happen because it will give patrons the opportunity to see a culturally unique performance they will never forget. It will be a classical, contemporary and indigenous tour-de-force dance performance. I am very excited for the opportunity to bring this Company to the U.S. as
they celebrate this special moment in their history. ”

A portion of the proceeds from both the Los Angeles and San Jose performances will be donated to the Ballet Philippines Foundation, for their continuing arts education work, and to the Apl.de.ap Foundation International, for their continuing humanitarian work with disenfranchised children and Typhoon Haiyan survivors in the Philippines.

The Ballet Philippines “MasterPieces” U.S. tour is supported by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Philippine Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Philippine Airlines, Duty Free Philippines, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Consulate
Offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco and is sponsored by Philippine Airlines. The Filipino Channel (TFC) is the official media sponsor of the Ballet Philippines 2014 U.S. Tour.

Ballet Philippines’ “MasterPieces” – Celebrating 45 Years of Dance
Saturday, October 4 at 8:00pm
Pasadena Civic Auditorium 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, California
For tickets call: 626-449-7360
Ticket prices: $45 | $35 | $25

Sunday, October 12, at 7:30pm
California Theater in San Jose
345 South First Street, San Jose, California 95113
For tickets call: 408-792-4111
Ticket prices: $65 | $45 | $35 | $25

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:
Website: www.ballet.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines
Twitter: @balletph
Instagram: @balletphilippines
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph