Cover Peter Pan and Wendy’s pas de deux in the show
Peter Pan and Wendy’s pas de deux in the show
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Ballet Philippines’ ‘Peter Pan’ offered a heartwarming escape into the whimsical world of Neverland, delighting audiences of all ages with its technical brilliance and infectious joy—the perfect holiday gift to the community
For a few enchanting hours, the Theatre at Solaire transformed into Neverland. Ballet Philippines’ performance of Peter Pan this year was as much a showcase of technical artistry as it was a spirited homage to the joys of youth and the boundless possibilities of imagination. Under the direction of Misha Martynyuk, the company brought J. M. Barrie’s classic tale to life with fun choreography, whimsical set designs, and a resounding sense of community—a fitting performance during the holiday season.
The evening opened with the warmth of nostalgia and reverence. Kathleen Liechtenstein, president of Ballet Philippines, delivered a moving tribute to Eddie Elejar, co-founder of the company, in honour of his 90th birthday. Elejar’s pioneering spirit, she noted, laid the foundation for an institution that has elevated ballet in the Philippines to global recognition. The gala’s celebratory air extended beyond the performance; it was a reaffirmation of the legacy of dance and its “power to connect generations.”
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Above Ballet Philippines president, Kathleen Liechtenstein, delivers an inspiring speech before the show
Above Eddie Elejar takes a well-deserved bow for a remarkable career in the arts
Ballet Philippines president, Kathleen Liechtenstein, delivers an inspiring speech before the show
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Liechtenstein’s speech was a reminder that ballet, often perceived as an elite art form, can be a vehicle for inclusion and upliftment. This idea took tangible shape as Ballet Philippines welcomed Aeta children from Zambales to watch the performance. The company’s outreach programme, Ballet Brigade, ensures that ballet reaches communities often overlooked by traditional cultural programming. It’s proof of the company’s belief that the magic of storytelling—whether through pirouettes or plies—is a gift meant to be shared.
Above The Darling family with Nana the Dog
Above The Crocodile, danced by Cris Jay Malipot, stole the show and was a favourite of the audience
The Darling family with Nana the Dog
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When the curtains rose, Peter Pan unfurled with all the exuberance one might hope for. From the Darling family’s nursery to the wilds of Neverland, the production brimmed with whimsy. Peter Pan’s effervescent leaps and Wendy’s graceful turns were complemented by playful interludes from Nana the dog and the show-stealing crocodile, whose comedic timing left the audience—children or adults—in stitches. Captain Hook, with his flamboyant villainy, proved equally delightful, eliciting both boos and laughs in equal measure.
Above Peter Pan and Wendy share a graceful moment together on stage
Peter Pan and Wendy share a graceful moment together on stage
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Above The Lost Boys, portrayed by the talented male and female dancers of Ballet Philippines, embody the spirit of camaraderie and adventure
The Lost Boys, portrayed by the talented male and female dancers of Ballet Philippines, embody the spirit of camaraderie and adventure
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Martynyuk’s choreography was a clever balance of classical technique and modern inventiveness. The Lost Boys moved with an untamed energy that captured the spirit of mischief, while the mermaids of Mermaid Lagoon offered a lyrical contrast, their movements fluid and mesmerising. The music deftly underscored the narrative, alternating between the lighthearted and the dramatic with ease (Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture playing during the climax was a personal favourite).
For those in attendance, the performance stirred a deep sense of nostalgia. The story of Peter Pan is, at its core, a meditation on the fleeting nature of childhood—a theme that resonated across generations. Parents and grandparents watched with rapt attention as children squealed with laughter, a reminder of the universality of Barrie’s tale. Peter Pan transcended the stage to become a shared experience, uniting the audience in a collective celebration of wonder and joy.
Related: Love and its woes: Ballet Philippines’ ‘La Sylphide’ shows how love can leap from beauty to beast
Above Captain Hook and his crew bring mischief to the stage, creating moments of both humour and chaos
Captain Hook and his crew bring mischief to the stage, creating moments of both humour and chaos
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Above Principal dancer Regina Magbitang brings Tinkerbell to life with her energy
Principal dancer Regina Magbitang brings Tinkerbell to life with her energy
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The gala also served as a platform to highlight the importance of supporting the arts. During the pre-show cocktails, Ballet Philippines trustee Lulette Moran Monbiot delivered an impassioned appeal to patrons, emphasising the critical role of funding in nurturing the next generation of dancers. Ballet, she remarked, thrives not merely on talent but on the dedication of those who champion it. Her words echoed throughout the evening, a gentle nudge to all present that the future of dance relies on the generosity of its supporters.
Above Peter Pan, the Darling family, and the Lost Boys come together in a heartwarming moment of unity
Peter Pan, the Darling family, and the Lost Boys come together in a heartwarming moment of unity
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As the final curtain fell, the cheers that followed were as much for the dancers as it was for the spirit of collaboration and creativity that brought the production to life. Peter Pan was a reminder of the power of storytelling to bridge divides and rekindle the light of wonder in even the most jaded hearts.
In many ways, this Peter Pan was a perfect holiday offering. Its humour, charm, and artistry captured the essence of the season—a time for togetherness, reflection, and a touch of magic.
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Credits
Images: Ballet Philippines
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
