Ballet can be a passion. It could be yours. Can you tell the difference between a “plie” and a “pas de chat?”
Join the special friends of the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre (MBT), and find out, by stepping into a world of beauty and magic.
You will commune with the masters—Petipa, Vaganova, Fokine, Bournonville, Saint Leon and more choreographers from the distant, brilliant past, as well as the vibrant present.
“To dance is to grow physically, mentally and spiritually,” said Guglielmo Ebreo, an Italian dance master of the Renaissance era.
“When a dance rises on her pointes, she breaks away from the exigencies of every day life and enters an enchanted country,” says André Levinson.
Now, here’s an appeal from Fe Sala Villarica, MBT’s artistic consultant: “Throughout many challenges, and despite many difficulties, the Metropolitan Ballet theatre has maintained its commitment to its mission to bring classical dance to all Filipinos.
“The MBT attributes its remarkable success to the generosity and continued support of hundreds of private individuals, companies and foundations. We are deeply grateful to those whose vision and commitment sustain the day-to-day business of running the MBT, and ensure that the classical dance will continue to thrive in our city.
“You can help MBT preserve its tradition of classical dance for future generations to enjoy. Introduce your family to the joys of music and dance. Become a part of the region’s most active dance ballet company.”
“This season, when the curtain opens on DIANA & ACTEON (our first ballet on the program), you will be transported to an exciting world of elegance, beauty, and romanticism.”
“However, all this would not be possible without the generous support of people like you.”
“As we prepare for the new season, I invite you to make a difference today. Share your friendship.”
“Let us start with your membership. There’s one sure requisite for the classical dance to thrive in Cebu —your involvement.”
“I look forward to welcoming you to our SPECIAL FRIENDS OF MBT.”
Members of the Special Friends of MBT will provide support for the company’s artistic and educational programs. Their contribution will make the work of MBT possible.
Friends of MBT will enjoy the company of other distinguished ballet enthusiasts at events provided throughout the span of one year.
The Friends’ subscriptions will help MBT produce the best professional work, and continue to hold the prices down to make tickets affordable to the widest possible audience.
MBT’s first season for 2014 opens with performances on Feb. 21 and 22 at On Stage Theater for the Performing Arts at Ayala Center.
For inquiries as to how to join the Friends you may call 09055539082 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; and from 2:30 to 5:30p.m. You may subscribe as a corporate or individual friend.
The subscription is good for one year, and so there is a drive to obtain as many as possible before Feb. 21 and 22, when the first of three annual ballet concerts takes place. How to be a Friend:
For Corporate Partner it is P25,000 a year. You get a full page in the program, advance notice to all events, partner billing in all collaterals, company mention in press releases, complimentary copy of souvenir program, invitations to outreach programs and open rehearsals, 15 tickets for each of the three performances, and four invitations to cocktails and dinner at the end-of-season.
Corporate Benefactors contribute P20,000 a year. They get half-page ads on the souvenir program, advance notice of all events, benefactor billing, invitations to outreach programs and open rehearsals, complimentary souvenir program, 10 tickets to each of the three performances, and 2 invitations to cocktails and dinner at the end-of-season.
Corporate Patrons contribute P15,000 annually. They get one-fourth page ad in the souvenir program and a complimentary copy of it. Also: advance notice of all events, patron billing, invitations to outreach programs and open rehearsals, 5 tickets to all three performances, and 2 invitations for cocktails and dinner at the end-of-season.
There are three categories for Individual subscribers, starting with the Golden Barre at P7000 per year. They get advance notice to all events, mention in and complimentary copy of souvenir program, invitations to outreach programs and open rehearsals, 3 tickets to each of the performances, and an invitation for two, to the end-of-season cocktails.
Individual Silver Slipper Friends contribute P5000 a year, get advance notice to all events, a mention in and complimentary copy of the souvenir program, invitations to outreach programs and open rehearsals, and two tickets for each of the three performances.
Red Shoes Individual Friends are exclusively students who contribute P2000 per year. They get advance notice to all events, mention in the souvenir program, and two student tickets for each of the three performances.
Corporate Partners, Benefactors and Patrons, as well as Golden Barre and Silver Slipper Individuals will get preferred seats to the performances. If you truly like ballet then you should subscribe to any of those categories and thus assure yourself of a good seat.
Call the above given cellphone number and ask for a subscription form. State your choice of category, and issue the corresponding check, payable to Fe Sala Villarica and Maria Yasmin Franco.
Kindly send the form back to Metropolitan Ballet Theatre, P.O. Box No. 42, Cebu Central Post Office, Cebu City.