Meet the Team. Who are We?

Behind every graceful leap and breathtaking pirouette is a team of dedicated individuals who live and breathe the art of ballet. At Ballet Manila, our people form the soul of our organization—from the dancers on stage to the leaders behind the scenes. Together, they embody the passion, discipline, and creativity that define our company. Whether nurturing talent, curating performances, or performing under the spotlight, each member of Ballet Manila contributes to a shared vision of excellence, storytelling, and cultural pride.

Management

Our leadership team is composed of visionary artists and seasoned professionals who guide Ballet Manila with a deep understanding of both artistic integrity and organizational purpose. At the helm is Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, whose lifelong devotion to ballet continues to shape the company’s artistic direction and values. Surrounding her is a passionate team of directors, choreographers, educators, and operational leaders who work tirelessly to uphold the company’s standards, mentor young talent, and ensure the smooth orchestration of each performance and season. Their collective experience, both on and off stage, fuels Ballet Manila’s evolution as a leading cultural institution.

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

Artistic Director & Chief Executive Office

Gerardo Francisco Jr.

Principal Dancer & Artistic Associate

Martin Lawrence

Resident Choreographer

Dancers

Ballet Manila’s dancers are the heartbeat of the company—athletes of grace, precision, and emotion. Trained primarily in the Russian Vaganova method, they bring a rare combination of technical mastery and expressive artistry to every role. From principal dancers to apprentices, each artist carries the spirit of Ballet Manila: disciplined, passionate, and proudly Filipino. With every performance, they channel years of training, sacrifice, and inspiration into movement, telling stories that transcend language and resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Their commitment to excellence is not only evident on stage, but in their mentorship of younger dancers and their role as ambassadors of Filipino ballet on the world stage.

Bring the Art of Ballet to Your Stage

Looking to elevate your next event with breathtaking artistry and world-class performance? Book a Ballet Manila dancer and experience the grace, power, and elegance that only our seasoned artists can deliver. From solo performances to curated ensemble pieces, our dancers are available for cultural events, galas, corporate functions, and special collaborations. Whether it's a timeless pas de deux or a uniquely Filipino story told through movement, we tailor each performance to suit your vision.

Let ballet transform your moment into something unforgettable.

Book now!