Ballet Philippines presented a sneak-peek of their upcoming Christmas performance, “Peter Pan,” through an afternoon of captivating storytelling and dance.
Ballet Philippines is taking audiences to Neverland this December 2024 through its Christmas performance, Peter Pan: a daring and entertaining full-length ballet based on the beloved children’s story. The esteemed dance company recently held an intimate gathering to give media friends a sneak peek of the holiday performance. Hosted at Waterside in Solaire Resort Entertainment City, the event created a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of childhood storytelling, accompanied by an exquisite menu crafted by Solaire’s talented chefs.
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A World Of Wonder
The afternoon began with Ballet Philippines’ president, Kathleen Liechtenstein, who warmly welcomed guests and shared her excitement for this year’s Christmas offering. “Whenever Ballet Philippines presents a show, it is to elevate the standard of dance in the Philippines, and Peter Pan is no exception,” she expressed with enthusiasm.
Artistic director Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk then took to the stage, expressing his joy in bringing a cheerful and uplifting production to life. “I think it’s time to share something positive and joyful, a family performance that offers a delightful escape from daily life,” he explained. “Our dancers are fully immersed in this ballet, and I believe that audiences, too, will feel a sense of childhood wonder as they reconnect with their favorite characters.”
An Enchanting Storytime Session
Following Martynyuk’s address, former Ballet Philippines principal dancer and current Ballet Philippines Dance School director, Rhea Bautista, led a storytelling session, reading excerpts from Peter Pan adapted for ballet by Martynyuk.
She introduced the first performance of the afternoon: a charming scene in Wendy’s room featuring her brothers, John and Michael, portrayed by dancers Jemima Reyes, and Emerson and Eduardson Evangelio. Bautista then introduced a second scene, a tender pas de deux between Peter Pan and Wendy, danced by Ballet Philippines’ principal dancers Ian Ocampo and Jemima Reyes.
The event wrapped up with a lively Q&A, where media friends asked Liechtenstein and Martynyuk not only about Peter Pan but also about their work with Ballet Philippines. Liechtenstein noted how the story of Peter Pan resonates with Filipinos through its characters’ relationships and values, especially in Wendy’s loving care for her mischievous brothers and the strong family bonds within the Darling family.
Meanwhile, Martynyuk revealed that each performance will bring something unique to the table with a different cast for every show. Both Liechtenstein and Martynyuk expressed their hopes that audiences of all ages will enjoy the tale of positivity, joy, love, and adventure as they had in the past, since Peter Pan has been a longtime favorite and in-demand work for years—which made choosing it as the dance company’s Christmas performance an easy decision.
As Liechtenstein expressed in her opening speech: “The libretto, music, costumes, choreography, and sets are all completely new. Thanks to our artistic director, Misha Martynyuk, we are presenting an entirely original take on this beloved tale. Peter Pan is our Christmas gift to you.”
Don’t miss Ballet Philippines’ Peter Pan, performed on December 6, 2024 at 8:00 P.M. and December 7 and 8 with performances at 2:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. at The Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are available through Ticketworld or Ballet Philippines’ website, ballet.ph/.
