A 16-year-old Filipina represented the country in the recently-concluded Genee International Ballet in Wellington, New Zealand, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.
Irene Kim Abrogena was chosen as a semi-finalist in the competition last December 12, joining 65 young dancers in what the DFA described as one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions.
"To be chosen as a semi-finalist in the Genee International Ballet Competition is already a feat and Abrogena’s thrilling performance of ballet interpretation of 'Save the Tree' with music accompaniment of 'Ugoy ng Duyan' and choreography by Ronilo Jaynano, as well as her presentation in the classical ballet portion, was much applauded and admired by the audience," the DFA said.
It added this was the first time that the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) staged the Geneee International Ballet Competition in Wellington.
The competition was in association with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand School of Dance.
Organizers described the Genee International Ballet Competition as the “Olympic Games of Ballet,” the DFA noted.
Abrogena received training from Marlinda Claravall, the Director and Choreographer of Claravall School of Dance in the Philippines, a teaching member of RAD and part of the international team of tutors for Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies.
The DFA said Claravall described Abrogena as an outstanding student in her school.
She added Abrogena "possesses the distinctive talent, dedication, discipline and commitment to develop her artistic potentials and launch a successful career as a top ballerina of the Philippines."
Philippine Ambassador Virginia Benavidez hosted a dinner for Abrogena at “Ang Bahay” last December 12, where she conveyed the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community's congratulations to her.
Benavidez cited Abrogena for “bringing pride and honor to her country, gaining international distinction and acclaim and showing to the organizers, the public and other competitors that the Philippines is home to world-class talents in the performing arts.”
Benavidez also lauded Abrogena’s mother Ludy for her support and sacrifice, and to Claravall for her generosity to let her to reach unprecedented heights in ballet and provide scholarships to deserving Filipinos.
Other guests at the dinner included Ariel Abrogena, Fe Abrogena, Consul General Marcos Punsalang, Marissa Punsalang, Paul Angell, Wilma Angell, Fe Clouston and Bianca Benavidez. — TJD, GMA News
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