A magical evening where art knows no borders
On August 9, 2025, Davao City is set to light up with grace, passion, and cultural harmony as it plays host to An Evening of Dance and Music: An International Gala. This one-night-only celebration at the Dusit Thani Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, Dusit Thani Residences Davao, brings together world-class talent from both local and international stages. Truly, an extraordinary convergence of Filipino soul and Parisian elegance through the universal language of dance.
The event is part of an ongoing cultural exchange spearheaded by Dance Theater Manille, in collaboration with France’s Ravensquid Ballet Compagnie and Ms. Elizabeth Gahl Le Notre of the Ramon Montalvo Dance Company. These institutions, together with Lamdag Foundation for Women’s Projects, Inc., have created an inspiring partnership that extends far beyond the stage.
Dance as a bridge: Empowering stories behind every step
What makes this gala unlike any other is its deeper purpose, which is “to use art as a powerful tool for empowerment and social transformation”. This initiative focuses on reaching underprivileged communities, especially young women and youth from marginalized sectors of society.
Through a series of outreach efforts, workshops, and performances, the project aims to make dance more accessible to those who have little to no exposure to the performing arts. Selected school students in Mindanao will have the rare opportunity to train directly with the visiting Paris-based dancers. An experience that could ignite lifelong dreams and possibilities.
This is not just a show, it is a mission. A platform where every pirouette and grand jeté represents a story of courage, hope, and the dream to rise above limitations.
Cultural exchange in motion
This collaboration is a two-way journey. In July 2025, Dance Theater Manille Director Ms. Elinor Dioko, along with a handpicked group of Filipino dancers including three ballerinas from Davao selected through a recent audition, travelled to Paris. They trained with elite French instructors, experienced different pedagogies, and expanded their artistic horizons.
Then, from August 4 to 11, 2025, the French artists and choreographers will arrive in Davao to engage with the community. Through masterclasses, outreach visits, and public performances, the visiting dancers will not only share their expertise but also immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture of Mindanao.
As a highlight of this exchange, five local ballet schools have been invited to perform at the gala, showcasing the immense homegrown talent of the region. A select group of students from disadvantaged communities will also be invited to watch the show. Giving them not just a seat in the audience, but a glimpse into a world they, too, can one day be part of.
A call to support art with heart
Behind this breathtaking event is the tireless effort of the Lamdag Foundation for Women’s Projects Inc., a non-profit dedicated to empowering women and fostering community development through a variety of educational, cultural, and advocacy programs. Since 2014, Lamdag has championed causes from poverty alleviation to youth and mental health initiatives. All rooted in the belief that empowered women are the heart of a progressive society.
This gala is made possible by the generosity of its partners. All dancers and instructors from France are performing voluntarily, and the French Embassy has expressed its support. But to keep this momentum alive and to reach more lives, Lamdag Foundation is calling on individuals, groups, and institutions to extend their support whether through sponsorships, donations, or simply by spreading the word.
Be part of this unforgettable night!
Let’s come together to celebrate the beauty of cultural exchange, the transformative power of dance, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. An Evening of Dance and Music: An International Gala is more than an event, it’s a movement. One that starts with a single step, a single note, and a shared vision of a better, more creative future for all.
📅 Save the date: August 9, 2025, 6:00 PM
📍 Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom, Dusit Thani Residences Davao City
🎟️ Message Lamdag 2025 International Ballet Gala Davao on Facebook or contact +639177922333 / (082) 296-1725 to get your tickets today!
Support the arts. Empower the youth. Witness a night where the world dances as one.
