In celebration of its 25th anniversary, STEPS Dance Studio founder Sofia Zobel Elizalde shares the story of how she opened the world of ballet to everyone and how her foundation continues to assist deserving Filipino dancers in acquiring a world-class education
![On Pointe On Pointe](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/408/350527/5cf977b8b28ac/On-Pointe.jpg)
There is something timeless and ethereal about ballet. The gentle swirl of pink, from the tights to the tutus to the satin toe shoes; the emotion in every movement, from a hand raised in the air to a dazzling pirouette. Everything about this formalised form of dance that originated in Renaissance Italy and then spread to France embodies grace, elegance, and classic perfection.
It’s also an art form that breathes of exclusivity, privilege, and wealth, evoking a world that seems closed to those who cannot afford the expensive lessons or the dancewear—leotards, tights, tutus, cardigans, ballet slippers—or those who simply aren’t exposed to ballet and the classical music that frequently accompanies it.
Sofia Zobel Elizalde, herself a ballet dancer whose first lead role was that of Clara in the CCP Dance Company’s production of The Nutcracker back when she was a little girl, believes that ballet is for everyone. And to open up the world of ballet, she established the STEPS Scholarship Foundation in November 2007, 13 years after setting up her school, STEPS Dance Studio.
The foundation aims to give assistance to young gifted Filipino dancers who want to have serious dance training in ballet, jazz, or modern dance in the hopes of making dance a future profession.
The Elmhurst Ballet School-trained Elizalde found her first batch of scholars by partnering with Ayala Foundation’s Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX) schools.
“Filipinos are natural dancers,” she said, “they naturally move well, they naturally have a sense of rhythm. Most kids here are very musical, naturally. So I figured, seeing as they had no dance background, the easiest thing to teach them would be street dance.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2019 من Philippine Tatler.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2019 من Philippine Tatler.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
![ON THE HIGH SEAS ON THE HIGH SEAS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/DQdAxsmRb1733743352126/ON-THE-HIGH-SEAS.jpg)
ON THE HIGH SEAS
Experience luxury and elegance on Silversea's Mediterranean cruise, an extraordinary journey crafted for unforgettable adventures and memories.
![HOLLYWOOD DREAMS HOLLYWOOD DREAMS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/e22uXXp6D1733743199335/HOLLYWOOD-DREAMS.jpg)
HOLLYWOOD DREAMS
Get to know the Filipinos who are making a dent in the world's entertainment capital-each striving to empower fellow Filipino filmmakers to shine globally
![THE SECOND PITASE THE SECOND PITASE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/35sE2ss9H1733741013524/THE-SECOND-PITASE.jpg)
THE SECOND PITASE
What was once an impossible dream of cleaning up the notorious Pasig River has now become a beacon of hope and praise. We look into the next stage as the rehabilitation moves forward
![SPARKLING DIAMOND SPARKLING DIAMOND](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/II_rejA-s1733740667983/SPARKLING-DIAMOND.jpg)
SPARKLING DIAMOND
Anchored on faith and her father's guidance, Annette Gozon Valdes reflects on the evolution of the media industry, the end of network wars and the critical factors behind GMA Network's 75 meaningful years
![THE PRESIDENT'S SANCTUARY THE PRESIDENT'S SANCTUARY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/SvvdYJBnz1733740215228/THE-PRESIDENTS-SANCTUARY.jpg)
THE PRESIDENT'S SANCTUARY
Renovated in 2022, the official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos offers glimpses into the past and future of the Philippines' seat of power
![THE ENDURING NOISIA THE ENDURING NOISIA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/f4dwAcZYb1733739819511/THE-ENDURING-NOISIA.jpg)
THE ENDURING NOISIA
Legendary American designer Thom Browne, known for reinventing tailoring and combining it with the wildest imagination, reflects on how he's excelled over his 20-plusyear career by doing what he truly loves
![Sculpted in Million Gold Sculpted in Million Gold](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/9hKhk0aXe1733739707025/SCULPTED-IN-MILLION-GOLD.jpg)
Sculpted in Million Gold
Step into the golden sphere of Rabanne and define yourself with a fragrance that speaks to your confident self
![No Shortcuts No Shortcuts](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/ps9C_Ifn21733738938600/NO-SHORTCUTS.jpg)
No Shortcuts
The Lexus UX300e all-electric vehicle is proudly crafted with the utmost attention to detail and consideration for the environment
![Night in the Sky Night in the Sky](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/t6VD-w9nb1733738858184/NIGHT-IN-THE-SKY.jpg)
Night in the Sky
Taste of Luxe is Insular Life's (InLife) recurring culinary lifestyle event, delighting members of its Amorsolo Circle with delectable meals paired with fine wine
![Wine Not? Wine Not?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/408/1915315/G7i7zPwlU1733738167543/WINE-NOT.jpg)
Wine Not?
One of the key figures behind New York's Michelin-starred restaurants Atomix, Atoboy, and Naro is Jhonel Faelnar, a Filipino sommelier who admits his passion for wine came as a pleasant surprise