A Vision in Motion: Empowering Communities Through Dance

Recognition often marks a milestone, but for Kathleen Liechtenstein, it also signals a renewed responsibility. Recently named among the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Filipina Women's Network, the president of Ballet Philippines views the honor not as a personal accolade, but as affirmation of a larger mission: using the arts to uplift communities, open doors, and redefine who ballet is for.

For Liechtenstein, the recognition carries deep meaning. On a personal level, she describes it as a celebration of resilience, passion, and the enduring belief that leadership should always be tied to service. Professionally, it reinforces her commitment to expanding the reach of ballet across the country. Under her leadership, Ballet Philippines continues to pursue initiatives that bring dance beyond the traditional theater stage and into communities that rarely have access to the arts.

Among the programs closest to her heart is Ballet Brigade, the company’s outreach initiative that introduces ballet to indigenous communities across the Philippines. Through this program, Ballet Philippines has worked with communities such as the Kalinga in Tabuk, the Aeta in Zambales, the Ivatan in Batanes, and the T’boli in Lake Sebu, among many others. The program offers young people an opportunity to experience ballet while encouraging them to embrace their own cultural heritage.

Rather than replacing tradition, the goal is to expand it.

For Liechtenstein, ballet becomes a bridge—an art form that can coexist with indigenous storytelling and movement. Each visit, each workshop, and each performance becomes a moment of exchange where culture, creativity, and curiosity meet.

“It reminds us of the true essence of dance,” she shares. “Not just as an art form, but as a means of learning, self-empowerment, and bringing people together.”

Another initiative, Men in Uniform, highlights ballet’s ability to reach audiences outside the usual arts circles. Through special performances and collaborations, Ballet Philippines has shared the beauty of dance with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Navy, offering moments of joy and reflection through movement and music.

As president of Ballet Philippines, Liechtenstein approaches leadership with a dual focus: protecting the discipline’s classical roots while pushing the boundaries of what ballet can be in a modern Filipino context. She acknowledges that ballet has long carried the perception of being an elite art form. Changing that perception, she believes, requires both innovation and accessibility.

This means bringing ballet into schools, underserved communities, and spaces where the arts have traditionally been absent. At the same time, the company continues to produce world-class performances that celebrate classical technique while incorporating contemporary Filipino narratives, choreography, and design.

The balance between tradition and modernity is intentional. For Liechtenstein, honoring ballet’s classical heritage does not mean remaining static. Instead, it means allowing the form to evolve alongside the culture that surrounds it.

Women’s leadership in the arts has also been central to her work. While progress has been made, she recognizes that barriers still exist, particularly in fields historically dominated by male leadership. Coming from a background in business and design, stepping into a leadership role within a traditional ballet company meant earning credibility in a space where artistic authority often comes from within the dance world itself.

Rather than viewing this as a limitation, Liechtenstein leaned into what she could bring: strategic thinking, innovation, and a deep respect for the art form. The result has been a leadership style that blends creative vision with long-term planning—one that prioritizes sustainability for both artists and institutions.

Empowering young women remains a central focus. Through Ballet Brigade and other outreach efforts, Ballet Philippines provides opportunities for young girls who may never have imagined themselves inside a theater or dance studio. For Liechtenstein, seeing a child experience ballet for the first time—whether watching a performance or taking their first tentative steps in class—captures the true value of the work.

Dance, she believes, can also play a meaningful role in larger conversations around gender equality. Ballet Philippines has explored this through productions such as Limang Daan and Ang Panaginip, works that celebrate Filipina strength, resilience, and collective dreams. Premiering these productions during International Women’s Month underscores the company’s commitment to highlighting women’s stories on stage.

Behind Liechtenstein’s passion for the arts are personal influences that shaped her early imagination. Her grandmother first introduced her to the world of music and opera, often humming melodies from Lucia di Lammermoor around the house. Years later, hearing the opera performed live at Teatro alla Scala felt like a full-circle moment, connecting childhood memories to the grandeur of the stage.

Her mother nurtured that creativity in other ways—bringing home illustrated classics that sparked a lifelong love for storytelling, books, and aesthetics. These early influences continue to shape the way Liechtenstein approaches art today: as something both deeply personal and widely shared.

Looking ahead, her vision for Ballet Philippines is ambitious. She hopes to expand Ballet Brigade further, reaching more communities and inspiring a new generation of Filipino dancers. At the same time, she wants the company to elevate its technical training and artistic education, ensuring dancers develop not only physical mastery but also a deep understanding of music, history, design, and performance.

The long-term goal is clear: for Ballet Philippines to become a defining voice for ballet in Southeast Asia.

But beyond institutional success, Liechtenstein’s vision also includes strengthening the role of artists—particularly women—in shaping cultural policy and representation. She believes that more artists should eventually step into positions where they can influence legislation and advocate for the creative sector.

When artists have a voice in policymaking, she says, the arts gain the protection, understanding, and support they deserve.

For young women hoping to lead in the arts, her advice is simple but powerful: pursue passion with courage and purpose.

Because when leadership is guided by purpose, the impact reaches far beyond the stage.