Cover A member of Steps Dance Studio performing a sequence from ‘The Nutcracker’ (Photo: Jojo Mamangun)
A member of Steps Dance Studio performing a sequence from ‘The Nutcracker’ (Photo: Jojo Mamangun)
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‘The Nutcracker’ is slated to be shown in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater this December for a landmark holiday run
Ayala Land, Circuit Makati, and the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, with support from GCash and HSBC, are presenting The Nutcracker this holiday season. Running from December 11 to 13, the beloved classical ballet will be staged for the very first time at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. The landmark holiday event features artists from Ballet Manila, the premier classical ballet company in the country, alongside dancers from Steps Dance Studio, one of the largest dance schools in the Philippines.
The production brings together an acclaimed team of local creatives. Internationally recognised designer Gino Gonzales, who received the 2024 CCP Gawad Para sa Sining for Theater, is tasked with creating the sets and costumes. The atmospheric lighting design will be handled by Monino Duque, a 2023 Aliw Awards Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and a Gawad CCP Para sa Sining recipient as well. Leading the production’s artistic vision, acclaimed ballet coach and choreographer Jeffrey Espejo will restage the classic work to bring it new life while honouring its enduring legacy.
Above A member of Steps Dance Studio performing a sequence from ‘The Nutcracker’ (Photo: Jojo Mamangun)
Above ‘The Nutcracker’ main poster (Image: courtesy of Adrian Panadero)
A member of Steps Dance Studio performing a sequence from ‘The Nutcracker’ (Photo: Jojo Mamangun)
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First premiered in 1892, The Nutcracker has become one of the most performed works in the classical repertoire, boasting an iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking choreography. The story unfolds on Christmas Eve when young Clara is gifted a beautifully crafted Nutcracker doll that becomes a gateway to an extraordinary dream. At midnight, the toy comes to life, leading Clara on an adventure filled with courageous battles, enchanted forests and dazzling kingdoms. Together, they defeat the fearsome Mouse King, journey through the sparkling Kingdom of Snow, and arrive in the magnificent Land of the Sweets. There, the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes the duo with a breathtaking celebration of dance inspired by global confections and cultures.
Above Jeff Espejo
Jeff Espejo
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Above Gino Gonzales
Above Monino Duque
Gino Gonzales
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For generations, the ballet has been synonymous with the spirit of Christmas, blending fantasy with extraordinary artistry to offer a timeless celebration of imagination, family and holiday joy. The debut staging at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater marks a significant milestone for the venue, reinforcing its commitment to presenting world-class productions and creating unforgettable cultural experiences for audiences in the Philippines.
Above Ballet Manilla in one of its past prodictions (Photo: Jyllan Bitalac)
Ballet Manilla in one of its past prodictions (Photo: Jyllan Bitalac)
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With its distinguished artistic team, spectacular production design and extraordinary cast, the inaugural production promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for families, longtime ballet lovers and first-time audiences alike. More than a performance, the production invites audiences to rediscover the childlike wonder of the season and celebrate the joy of Christmas through one of the world's most treasured ballets.
Tickets for The Nutcracker are available exclusively through TicketWorld. Audiences seeking more information can follow the official pages for The Nutcracker and the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on both Facebook and Instagram.
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Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.
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