A serving of international treats in Christmas ballet classic

The Land of Sweets in the Christmas ballet classic, The Nutcracker, may just be a figment of the imagination. But the global treats it highlights through dance are very much real and evoke notions of the countries they come from.

In observance of United Nations Day, we take a look at this scene of delightful pageantry as Ballet Manila performed Act 2 of the beloved holiday show in Nutkraker: Pasko na Naman Muli (2014). Making it doubly special is an international cast that brings together Filipino artists and colleagues from overseas linked by their passion for dance.

Photos by Daniel Trinidad

The Sugar Plum Fairy (Tiffany Chiang-Janolo) and her Prince (Gerardo Francisco Jr.) act as the hosts of Masha and the Nutcracker as the pair is magically transported to the Land of Sweets after having defeated the Mouse King. As a reward, they are treated to a lavish celebration like they have never experienced before.

Violet Hong and Francis Cascaño strut and twirl, leap and kick with abandon, in the Spanish Dance. They symbolize chocolate, with Spain reputed as being the first European country to have tasted it, their steps similarly pure and rich.

Dancing to exotic strains, Abigail Oliveiro and Brian Williamson are featured in the Arabian Dance. They represent coffee which has been cultivated in the Middle East for centuries, and in their movements, channel its unmistakably robust aroma.

What’s afternoon tea without its signature drink? In Chinese Dance, Naomi Jaena and Ricardo Mallari are as vibrant and as full-flavored as the beverage they embody. Never lacking in energy, they give the routine the exact perk it needs.

The Russian Dance, as performed by Sofia Sangco-Peralta, Mark Sumaylo and Marika Capati, is said to represent candy canes from that country. Sweet and strong are the qualities that quite unlikely mix and match in this lively number.