Prima Ballerinas 3

Stella Abrera: A Life in Dance The first time I saw Stella Abrera dance, I was mesmerised. It was a performance of Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, and her performance as Odette/Odile, the Swan Queen, was breathtaking. Her grace, her strength, her technical prowess – it was all there, on full display. And then, there was her artistry, the way she imbued each movement with emotion and story, her passion evident in every step. It was a night that changed my life, as I discovered the incredible power of ballet, the stories told in silent language, the exquisite athleticism and the sheer artistry that this art form evokes. Little did I know then, I’d be fortunate enough to dance with her, but the fire that sparked that night led me down my own ballet path. She would eventually become my inspiration and my mentor. But this is the story of Stella Abrera, a life lived for dance. Born in the Philippines, Stella Abrera’s journey into the world of ballet started at the tender age of seven. It wasn’t an initial love affair; a friend had started lessons and encouraged her to join, more as an after-school activity. However, within a year, it was evident that Stella’s talent transcended mere enjoyment – a dedication was already blossoming, a dedication that was recognised by teachers at Ballet Philippines in Manila, leading her to be chosen for their pre-professional training program. It is often said, however, that we are often our own harshest critics. For Stella, even after she was selected for Ballet Philippines’ advanced programme, it was not a moment of celebration or contentment. Stella confessed to me once: “Even though I felt I was doing well, I wasn’t happy, I didn’t think I was that good.” This is the nature of the ballerina, she continued. “The journey, it never ends. It’s never done. It’s not a point you get to. There is no arrival at the point where you’ve done it. I believe that you are always striving for more, you are always reaching for something that you know you haven’t achieved. It’s all about this pursuit, you see. Always trying, always working harder.” Such inner strength and discipline, instilled by the demanding but nurturing environment at Ballet Philippines, eventually saw Stella embark on an international journey that saw her win first place at the 1994 Paris International Ballet Competition at just sixteen years old. She had become, and deservedly so, one of the most sought-after young ballet talents. Despite such acclaim, her story would be told not by her wins but by the relentless pursuit of the dance itself. From the pinnacle of her career with the American Ballet Theatre, with which she joined in 1996 after turning down offers from other prestigious companies, Stella has performed leading roles in an unparalleled repertoire of classical and contemporary works. Her performance repertoire encompasses ballets such as Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, La Bayadère, Manon, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, and the choreography of Jerome Robbins, Antony Tudor, Twyla Tharp, and Mikhail Fokine. It would be her powerful embodiment of a diverse array of characters that has left a lasting impression on generations of ballet lovers, and those lucky enough to be in the same theatre. This dedication, the hunger for dance that never diminishes, the discipline and resilience that pushes the ballerina beyond her boundaries – these are the true testaments to a life spent in dance. Beyond the Stage: There is more to Stella’s life than just her artistry on stage, more to tell than her accolades. The dancer is also an active advocate for the importance of dance education and access to dance opportunities, especially for underprivileged youth. Beyond the graceful movement, the sculpted lines and strength, she works with various charities and non-profit organisations. I vividly remember Stella sharing an inspiring experience she had had with an outreach programme where they went to a school that didn’t have any proper facilities for dance. Despite this limitation, she was amazed by the kids’ enthusiasm. “They had these incredible bodies and movements, an amazing sense of rhythm! But, without the training, their raw potential couldn’t flourish,” she confided in me, her eyes shimmering with genuine emotion. This experience underscored for her the crucial role dance education plays. This passion extends into her commitment to teaching. Sharing her knowledge and passion for ballet has led Stella to teach master classes and workshops around the world. Through her teaching, she strives to inspire young dancers, passing on her expertise and passion to nurture the next generation. The future of ballet, she strongly believes, lies in empowering the next generation, offering them opportunities to develop their artistic gifts and cultivate their love for dance. An Intimate Portrait: It was through these interactions, both at work and when we trained together, that I truly got to know Stella Abrera. While I initially looked up to her from a distance as an admired senior member of the company, I was lucky enough to get to know her as a person, not just a performer. Behind the stage lights, Stella is a kind, generous, and humorous person who deeply cares about others. A supportive teammate and friend, she’s the type who lights up the room. This inherent warmth shines through not just on the stage but in every aspect of her life, adding depth to her artistry. It is evident in the respect and admiration she has from everyone she works with, everyone who is lucky enough to cross her path. For all the years of dedicated work that led to her impressive repertoire of work, her awards and accolades, and the impact she has had on the world of ballet, her most remarkable quality was always her humility. It’s hard to put it into words, how deeply that characteristic resonated with me and helped shape my own perspective on this incredible career we’ve chosen. Stella’s humility is truly infectious and endearing. I learned much about self-discipline and dedication from her, as a ballerina and as a human being. I’m truly grateful that she not only guided me through the intricacies of dance but helped me better understand myself. It was through her unwavering belief that I began to truly see the power within myself. A Life in Dance: A Legacy Continued Despite hanging up her pointe shoes in 2020, Stella’s dedication to dance, particularly supporting the next generation of dancers, has only grown since. She works as a freelance choreographer, helping young dancers to explore the art form and push their limits. She recently told me that she still attends every single company performance – this despite the fact she doesn't need to or feels an obligation to. “There are two reasons why I go back to see the dancers. First, I have the opportunity to share this art form with audiences that come to the theatre, that discover ballet through their viewing, it fills me with great joy.” She paused. “And second, the magic that happens between the audience and the dancer in that moment is indescribable.” It was evident she still felt the rush of the adrenaline, even when watching as a member of the audience. Her eyes lit up as she talked about the magic of the dance, the excitement of the theatre, the power of connection between the ballerina and the viewer. As we talked further, the passion she displayed mirrored that young ballerina of almost twenty years before – the drive, the dedication, the insatiable hunger for the world of ballet. It is a powerful testament to the dancer’s love for the art form, for ballet. It is a testament to a life in dance.