Ballet Manila has staged the popular holiday ballet The Nutcracker repeatedly, with its whimsical tale of a nutcracker-turned-prince, a sugar plum fairy and dancing snowflakes. Apart from that staple, the company has also enjoyed unwrapping original productions that reflect the spirit of a true Filipino Christmas. We revisit these locally flavored vignettes that have not only brought cheer but offered thoughtful messages and valuable lessons so perfect for the season.

The Nativity was the inspiration behind Ballet Manila’s Belen, presented during the early years when it started doing Christmas shows at Star City. Choreographed and directed by Ballet Manila co-artistic director Osias Barroso, Belen reimagines the Three Kings’ search for the Child Jesus. In 2017, the company brought back Belen – with a twist. By then, it had introduced the Circus D’Ballet concept through such productions as Can Can, Princess of the Moon, Munting Anghel and Lahi where ballet dancers performed side by side with a variety of circus acts. In the restaged Belen, a real magician serves as the guide for the Three Kings as they follow the Star leading them to the newly born Jesus. Along the way, they encounter a host of characters – jugglers, trapeze artists, contortionists, fire blowers, sword swallowers, unicyclists, stilt walkers and acrobats – who make the journey so colorful, and a fitting way to celebrate that one special night.

Photos by Jimmy Villanueva