Although Hazel Sabas-Gower’s Sinderela premiered on November 30 in 2012, the rest of its run unfolded in December at Aliw Theater, serving as Ballet Manila’s perfect Christmas offering with its promise of feel-good vibes for the season.

For her libretto and choreography, Sabas-Gower gave the popular fairy tale on which it was based on a novel twist – not just setting it in urban Manila but infusing it with a showbiz flavor. In Sinderela, the prince becomes matinee idol Al Principe who holds a search for his leading lady through a grand dance audition.

Sinderela is treated like a maid by Stepmother Traviesa and Stepsisters Avaricia and Media. But with the help of her fairy godmother Tita Nia, who summons an assortment of garden spirits and time spirits, the young girl manages to attend the audition.

There, she not just gets to show off her dancing talent but also captivates Al who whisks her off for a whirl on the dancefloor as time seems to stop. But at the stroke of midnight, Sinderela hurriedly departs, leaving behind her slipper and an awestruck Al to figure out who its rightful owner is.

Even with its modern take, Sinderela of course still combined the elements of love, magic and dance in a fun and enchantment-filled package.

“This 21st century Pinoy interpretation of a well-loved fairy tale is not to be missed,” promised artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde then, just before the world premiere.

Using music by Sergei Prokofiev, Sinderela was based on the classic tale by Charles Perrault and the Grimm brothers and had Katsch Catoy as set designer and PJ Aranador as costume designer.

Along with Sinderela, Ballet Manila also presented Sonata, a tribute to Sir Edward William Elgar on his 150th anniversary. With choreography by Ballet Manila artistic associate and rehearsal master Osias Barroso, the homage in dance is set to Elgar's Sonata in E minor, opus 82 for Violin and Piano.