Maniya Barredo, who became the first and only prima ballerina from the Philippines at 26 years old, has had a magnificent dancing career. Now into her 60th year as a professional ballerina, she doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
On Saturday, she’ll be receiving the “Pioneer of Atlanta Dance” award at the Modern Atlanta Dance Festival. On top of that great achievement, Barredo is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of founding of the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Barredo about how her ballet career has evolved and transitioned over the last six decades.
Barredo’s life began in the Philippines with eight siblings. At 3 years old she became interested in dance after watching her older sister perform at her aunt’s small studio. Known to her family and friends as “Honey,” due to her skin and hair color, she was a gifted dancer from the start. She was offered a scholarship to move to New York and attend the prestigious Joffrey School for ballet at 19 years old. That’s where “Honey” became known as Maniya Barredo. Robert Joffrey of the Joffrey School gave her the stage name after observing her outstanding talents on stage.
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