Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Lisa Macuja, Ballerina of the People - Ruby Tuesday


Lisa Macuja-Elizalde in her red ballet tutu

It was my luck when I caught Lisa Macuja-Elizalde perform at the Atrium of the Mall of Asia on Sunday evening. We were going to the movies when I noticed the stage with her name on it. Lisa Macuja is one of the Philippines’ Prima Ballerinas and often referred to as the “Ballerina of the People” for her advocacy of bringing the art of ballet to the masses and the countryside. She marks her 25th year as a dancer with this show “Ballet Masterpiece”.

Watching her dance, it was hard to believe that she is 45 and had given birth to two kids. Lisa is, undoubtedly, the most phenomenal Filipina classical ballerina. She studied ballet at the Vaganova Choreographic Institute in Leningrad in the 1980’s where she learned and mastered the Vaganova method, graduated at the top of her class, and the only Filipina dancer with the distinction of being “adopted” by the Russians as one of their own. She went on to becoming the first non-Soviet soloist to dance with the historic Kirov Ballet.

I had goosebumps watching her dance---her passion for dancing was electric. I also loved how she incorporated modern dance into ballet. Franzia told me later that if the heart could dance, her heart definitely danced while she watched Lisa Macuja. Yes, it was like falling in love.




Posted for Ruby Tuesday

13 comments:

MaR said...

She and her performance seem wonderful! I'd love to see her dance.
Great shots for RT.
Happy Ruby Tuesday!

Norm said...

wow! fabulous series of photos, I love lisa too, she perform well on the stage, thanks for sharing...

witsandnuts said...

Waaaah! I'm jealous! I loved the photos. =)

Rose said...

Thanks for visiting my blog, Time Stand Still....
I must say you have a beautiful Ruby Tuesday post!

escape said...

i never saw her dance yet. she doesnt seem to get older. beautiful and graceful dance.

Ladynred said...

looks like she is really a good ballereina! Nice red outfit!

Linnea said...

She looks very graceful...I don't know much about ballet at all; thanks for sharing this interesting piece of information and these lovely photos.

Regina said...

She's one of the best!

Photo Cache said...

Oh she's still dancing, good for her. I remember when I was still in PI, her name was in the news always. Or am I just reading the entertainment and arts section of the newspapers :)

♥peachkins♥ said...

Nice photos! Happy RT!

Unknown said...

Check out her website -- www.lisamacuja.com and watch her 25th anniversary concert on Oct. 2, 3, 4 at Aliw Theater.

BALLET NEWS said...

Oh WOW, this is a great post & you have the most gorgeously beautiful site here. I had to stop by to leave this comment for you – and to say hello of course ! Your posts are creative and original and you have interesting pictures. It's all perfect ! Thank you for sharing your site and best wishes... Happy weekend....

Unknown said...

Thank you, Elise. Your comment warms my heart.:P Glad you enjoyed your visit...hope to see you here again.