Prima Ballerinas 25

## Maniya Barredo: A Filipina Ballerina’s Journey Born in 1951, in the vibrant and bustling city of Manila, the Philippines, my story, like that of many aspiring ballerinas, is one of dedication, discipline, and an unwavering love for the art form. I am Maniya Barredo, and ballet, for me, was more than just a hobby; it was a way of life. The ballet studio, filled with the rhythmic tapping of pointe shoes against the wooden floor, became my second home. It was a world where the elegance of the swan’s wings and the raw power of the bullfighter’s cape danced together in a harmonious tapestry of movement. Every pirouette, every grand jeté, every leap into the air, whispered tales of passion, strength, and grace. My journey began in the shadow of a legendary figure – the revered Filipina ballerina, Leonor Orosa. It was at her esteemed dance studio, the Orosa Dance Studio, that I first stepped into the captivating world of classical ballet. The gentle encouragement of Miss Orosa, a pioneer in promoting ballet in the Philippines, kindled within me a fire that only grew stronger with time. From the first time I stood on the pointe, the world seemed to shift, tilting into a new perspective. The floor became a stage, my feet an extension of my very soul. Each pose was an act of self-expression, each movement a poem sculpted in air. As I learned the demanding technique of the grand classics, a thirst for knowledge consumed me. My passion transcended the rigorous physical training; it became an unquenchable thirst for the deeper meaning, the storytelling power of each gesture, each fleeting expression. My years under the tutelage of Miss Orosa were formative, honing not only my technique but also my artistic sensibility. The rigorous training regime taught me the importance of precision, of honing my movements until they became a language in themselves. It was an unforgiving discipline, a crucible where raw talent was forged into artistry. I remember those early years with a mix of nostalgia and awe. The relentless pursuit of perfection, the constant challenge of pushing my limits, was the very essence of the ballerina's life. My dedication did not go unnoticed. I won numerous accolades in the Philippines, my graceful movements and passionate performances captivating audiences. The local newspapers, with their flowery language and sweeping pronouncements, heralded me as the next generation of Philippine ballet stars. A crucial moment in my journey came in the form of a scholarship, a chance to experience the hallowed halls of The Royal Ballet School in London. A chance to dance alongside aspiring ballerinas from all over the world, to be exposed to a whole new range of artistry, a different perspective on my chosen art form. It was a dream come true, an opportunity that would transform me both personally and professionally. The grandeur of the school, the bustling streets of London, and the endless artistic treasures around me, overwhelmed my senses. But as I stepped into the studios, the world shrunk, focusing solely on the lines, the leaps, the nuances of ballet that spoke to me more powerfully than any words. Here, surrounded by students from diverse cultures and backgrounds, I discovered a deeper appreciation for the universal language of dance. From the legendary Margot Fonteyn, a ballerina who exemplified grace and elegance, to the powerful force of Rudolf Nureyev, a dancer whose artistry transcended technical brilliance, each ballet class was an exploration, a journey into the heart of the dance. My years at The Royal Ballet School were more than just an intense dance training regime; they were an enriching cultural experience. London, a city buzzing with artistic life, became a catalyst for my growth. I attended countless performances at the Royal Opera House, captivated by the magic unfolding on stage, inspired by the virtuosity and artistic depth of the renowned company. It was during this time that I first truly grasped the concept of the “artistic voice” in dance – not merely an outward manifestation of skill but an individual expression of feeling, interpretation, and life experience. This new understanding deepened my commitment to my craft. I yearned to share the stories within my dance, to transcend technical brilliance and touch the hearts of the audience. Each time I stepped on the stage, I sought to transform myself into the character, allowing my body to become an instrument of emotions. My time in London opened up a world of opportunities. I received numerous performance invitations, gracing stages both in England and throughout Europe. Every performance was a learning experience, a chance to test the limits of my talent, and a journey into the depths of my artistic soul. I was invited to perform alongside established international dancers, sharing the stage with renowned figures like Antoinette Sibley and Anthony Dowell. Returning to the Philippines, my journey continued with renewed zeal and a depth of understanding I hadn't possessed before. Back in my homeland, I danced with a heightened awareness, with the memory of my international experiences imprinted in every movement. As the years passed, I made a conscious decision to delve deeper into the realm of artistry. It was not enough for me to simply be a skilled ballerina; I wanted to be a story-teller, a translator of human emotion through the power of movement. I found a new challenge, a new path, in teaching. The knowledge and understanding gained in London sparked a fire within me – a passion to impart what I had learned to a new generation of aspiring dancers. In the Philippines, a new generation was eager to learn, to step into the magical world of ballet, and it was my honour and joy to guide them, to nurture their dreams. Standing in front of a room filled with wide-eyed young dancers, my passion reignited. Their innocence, their hunger to learn, their pure love for the art form, fueled my desire to give back. I poured my knowledge, my passion, my experience into each lesson, knowing that I was not just teaching ballet, but laying the foundation for a new generation of Philippine dancers. Some Highlights of My Journey: * **Orosa Dance Studio** (Manila): Foundation of ballet education and nurturing mentorship under Leonor Orosa. * **The Royal Ballet School** (London): Intensive training alongside renowned international dancers, broadening my artistry and technical skills. * **Performances in Europe** (France, Germany, Italy): Gaining valuable stage experience and international recognition. * **International Collaborations:** Sharing the stage with established dancers like Antoinette Sibley and Anthony Dowell. * **Philippine Ballet Company** (Manila): Active contributor to the growth and development of ballet in the Philippines. * **Ballet Teacher and Choreographer** (Manila): Inspiring and educating a new generation of Filipino dancers. Throughout my journey, ballet has been more than a profession – it has been an odyssey, a way of life, and an art form that I live and breathe. The rhythmic beating of my heart echoes the steady beat of the music. I believe that the dance transcends cultural boundaries, speaking to the very core of the human experience. Through every pose, every graceful movement, every expression, I continue to dance my story, an ever-evolving saga of passion, discipline, and a life dedicated to the captivating world of ballet.