A toast to nations in ‘The Nutcracker’
When Masha and the Nutcracker Prince reach the Land of Sweets in the holiday ballet classic The Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy presents a program like no other showcasing international treats.
The festivities start off with the passionate Spanish Dance, said to represent chocolate, specifically the introduction of cocoa beans to Europe. Next comes the mysterious Arabian Dance that conjures images of the Middle East where coffee has been grown for centuries. Then there is the playful Chinese Dance that celebrates the most popular export of China, tea. Meanwhile, the Russian Dance Russian featuring a trio executing bold and energetic movements, has been known in earlier versions of the ballet to symbolize candy canes.
With the observance of United Nations Day, we look back at the lively and colorful gathering of countries in The Nutcracker as Ballet Manila has performed it over the years.
Photos by Ocs Alvarez
