We at Dance Theater Manille are committed to the strong formation of character among our students as they pursue their passion for the beautiful art of classical ballet. We intend to live up to this commitment by providing our students a solid classical program that pursues excellence and by inculcating and developing the necessary virtues such as hard work, fortitude, camaraderie, respect, humility, understanding, and patience.
We recognize the parents as our partners in the pursuit of our goals for each and every student that we have. We believe that a close collaboration with parents can solidify the formation and training that we give our young dancers, and therefore allow them to grow and mature to be the best that they can be in the field of classical dance.
Directress
After growing up dancing and performing in several productions under several notable instructors, Elinor Dioko took to teaching at the age of 16. Her talent in classical dance is complemented by her passion to teach school children.
In her mission to share the love for ballet and character formation through dance, she established Dance Theater Manille in 1997, continuing to teach and direct until present.
Administrative Assistant
Having been assisting at Dance Theater Manille since 2003, Perla Lumanta is a well-known figure in the community. She has been steadfast and constant in ensuring the communication between the DTM administration, parents, and students alike.
Her loyalty and reliability or dependability with the people in DTM inspires confidence and trust within the company.
Information & Marketing Assistant
Growing up with Dance Theater Manille since her childhood and continuing her passion for dance, Carmela Dioko is presently still a dancer with DTM and now also with Philippine Ballet Theatre.
Even as she furthers her education studying in the University of the Philippines Manila, she has been giving back to her home community in DTM as the information and marketing assistant since 2022.
Faculty
A dedicated dancer for 25 years and teacher for 15 years, Maila Habagat continues to share her love for dance as a faculty of Dance Theater Manille since 2015.
She teaches the aspiring dancers of DTM and guides them as they discover their full potential in dance. She is a trusted member of the company, building strong technique and genuine connections with the dancers she teaches.
Dance. Aspire. Inspire.
Copyright © 2026. Iana Macatula
