Kids

When Siblings Inspire Each Other: Reign Pelegrin Dances In Her Brother’s Footsteps

by Kevyn Gohu
August 11, 2025

Ballet Manila newbie Reign Pelegrin reveals how her brothers inspired her to take up ballet

Usually, it’s parents who inspire the children. But there are some cases, like that of Reign Pelegrin, wherein she was inspired by her three brothers, Sean, Kyle, and Vince Pelegrin, to pursue ballet. Vince, who is in New York, motivated her with his performances abroad and was recently named a member of the American Ballet Theater’s corps de ballet in July. Ultimately, it was Sean, however, who proved with his solo performances that it was possible to be a professional dancer.

“Siya ang inspiration ko ever since, dahil siya talaga ang nag-start ng daan sa ballet para sa amin (He’s been my inspiration ever since because he’s the one who started the ballet journey for us),” admits Reign in an interview on Ballet Manila.

According to her, all three brothers joined the Steps Dance Studio.

Reign Pelegrin with her brothers Sean and Vince — Photo from Reign Pelegrin Instagram

Finding her rhythm

It was when she turned eight years old that her mother approached Steps Dance Studios to ask if they could accept Reign as a scholar. And for the next twelve years, she maintained that status. Even with her school work and the intense training becoming more frequent in high school, what kept Reign going was the curiosity and the anticipation of learning a new and unfamiliar step.

“’Yan talaga ang nagustuhan ko sa ballet (That’s what I love about ballet),” Reign reveals.

Her performances were no easy glides across the stage either. Ballet Manila’s Swan Lake at Aliw Theater was considered Reign’s “baptism by fire” as she became part of the cygnets or the “Swan Corps.” But what kept her going was falling in love with her older brother’s journey as a dancer. Even if she was exhausted to the point of passing out on a Move It motorcycle, she would persist with her training.

Reign Pelegrin at the Youth American Grand Prix — Photo from Reign Pelegrin Instagram

It eventually paid off, allowing her to join Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) in New York last 2024. Her experience became even more memorable as her brother, Vince, toured her around the adopted city.

But her “dancing” family has gotten bigger since her 12 years in Steps. Now a part of Ballet Manila, Reign finds guidance in her sisters, or the older and more experienced ballerinas who are part of the troupe.

“Marami akong mga ate dito na willing lagi na magbigay ng tips para mas mapaganda ko pa ang pagsayaw ko (I have so many older sisters here that are always willing to give me tips so I can dance a role better.),” shares Reign, expressing her gratitude for joining the Ballet Manila company.

And whenever Reign finds herself getting overwhelmed, she echoes her brother’s philosophy.

“Ang lahat ng dancer ay makaka-experience ng pagod at ng disappointments. Part po ang mga ’yan ng pagigiging dancer. Para makapagpatuloy, kailangang isipin nila kung ano ang mahal nila sa pagsayaw, at iyon ang makakapag-motivate sa kanila!” (All dancers will experience exhaustion and disappointments. These are all part of being a dancer. To get through such moments, they should think of why they love dancing, and that’s what will motivate them!)

Reign Pelegrin with her brother, Vince, at New York — Photo from Reign Pelegrin Instagram

What most parents wish for their children

While many parents wish for their children to be happy, healthy, and safe, they also hope that they can draw inspiration from one another as siblings. Especially when siblings will have only each other after their parents are gone, parents give it their all to ensure that their children will always have at least one ally in the world. And in that case, it’s usually their siblings.

Sure, sibling rivalries will happen now and then. But at the end of the day, siblings have a bond like no other—especially when they see each other as a source of inspiration.