Pinay ballerina back in PHL after winning top prize at intl tilt

Published June 14, 2012 5:50pm

Ballet Philippines’ principal dancer Candice Adea has returned to the Philippines after bagging the top prize at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition in Finland.

GMA News TV’s “News to Go” on Thursday reported said Adea was welcomed by Cultural Center of the Philippines’ premiere ballet group.

“Tuwang-tuwang sinalubong ng Ballet Philippines ang kanilang miyembrong si Candice Adea,” news anchor Kara David reported.

“Siya po ang kauna-unahang Pilipinang ballerina na nagkamit ng 1st Place sa Senior’s Division ng kompetisyon. Ikinagulat nga raw ng mga bansang sikat sa larangan ng ballet tulad ng Finland at China ang pagkakapanalo ni Adea,” David added.

Adea bested 69 dancers from 28 different countries including the United States, China, Japan, Finland, Canada, Italy, and Cuba, among others.

The Pinay ballerina also received about 55,000 euros for winning one of the world’s most prestigious ballet competitions.

In the finals, Adea performed Diana and Acteon pas de deux with Cordero for classical and Aku (choreographed by Alden Lugnasin) in the contemporary category.

Adea’s partner, Jean Marc Cordero -- also a principal ballerina at Ballet Philippines -- made it to the semi-finals. He bagged the Special Jury Award for Best in Pas de Deux Technique (partnering).

The Helsinki International Ballet Competition belongs to the cycle of International Ballet Competitions held under the auspices of the Federation of International Ballet Competitions in Jackson, MI (USA), Moscow, Russia, and Varna, Bulgaria.

Adea's achievements

In a news release, Ballet Philippine said apart from her latest award, Adea has also received:

Silver medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Michigan, touted as the Olympics of ballet.
Special awards at the Boston International Ballet Competition (the Maris Liepa award for artistry), and
Third prize at the Seoul International Dance Competition.

With her partner Cordero, she also won the lead role in a Russian Ballet Performance in Boston.

Meanwhile, "News to Go" anchor Howie Severino said, “Pagtiyak naman ng coach na si Victor Ursabia patuloy siyang magtuturo para mahasa ang talent ng mga miyembro ng Ballet Philippines.”

Apart from being the pair’s coach and mentor, Ursabia is Ballet Philippines’ ballet master and CCP Dance School Director. - Rouchelle Dinglasan, VVP, GMA News

Tags: helsinki, candiceadea, ballet