Ballet Manila presents 'The Nutcracker'

MANILA, Philippines - Ballet Manila ushers in the holiday season with its production of the most popular Christmas ballet of all time, The Nutcracker. The family must-see about a little girl named Masha  whose generous spirit on Christmas Eve transports her to a magical land of giant dolls and nutcrackers, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy  will go on stage on Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

For the first time, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja will be sharing center stage in a full-length ballet with her 12-year-old daughter Missy Elizalde as the latter makes her debut in the role of Little Masha. The metamorphosis of the little girl into an adult is one of the many highlights in the spectacular showcase that is The Nutcracker.

“As a mother, I think I am going to be in tears as I dance the adagio following our transformation scene… but as a ballerina, I know I have to hold it together. This is going to be tough!” admits Lisa, who first danced as Masha in the Leningrad Choreographic School’s production of The Nutcracker 26 Christmases ago.

Elpidio Magat and Yanti Marduli

Ballet Manila has had six stagings of this ballet since it was debuted by the company in 1998. Following closely the choreography of Vassily Vainonen, with revisions by Osias Barroso and Viktor Saveliev, and set to the music of Peter Tchaikovsky, Ballet Manila’s productions of The Nutcracker have nurtured five generations of dancers by now.

This year’s show is made even more unique by Ballet Manila’s collaboration with Korea’s multi-awarded Choi So Bin Ballet Company for the special, final performance on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.

“It’s truly a sign that the The Nutcracker not just brings together families and links generations during Christmastime, but countries and cultures as well!” enthuses Lisa.

Meanwhile, the holiday dance celebration continues with a unique collaboration between Ballet Manila and Korea’s Choi So Bin Ballet Company in Duo, a benefit gala concert scheduled on Dec. 11, 8 p.m., at the Star Theater. This is a benefit show for Philippine Christian Foundation. The first part features the world premiere of Bam Damian’s Less Sylphides, as well as Ilsa Dyur and Dulce. The second part consists of Fire. Butterfly. Dream.  an epic story of one woman’s strength to overcome challenges for the love of country.

The Nutcracker is sponsored by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Island Rose, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, SEAIR, Maynilad, Bank of Singapore and Calciumade. For inquiries, call Ballet Manila at 400-0292 or 525-5967, or e-mail info@balletmanila.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at www.ticketworld.com.ph or 891-9999.