This Month in BM History: December 2006
The Nutcracker is a well-loved production, performed by ballet companies all over the world during Christmas season. Souvenir program from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
Since putting up its first The Nutcracker in 1998, Ballet Manila has staged the Christmas ballet several more times in succeeding years. In December 2006, it was time again to bring back the holiday staple with all its magical elements – from toys that come to life to visits to fantasy realms.
The Sugar Plum Fairy (Lisa Macuja Elizalde) and the Prince dance joyously in this scene from The Nutcracker. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
The story begins on Christmas Eve when young Masha receives a Nutcracker doll from Uncle Drosselmeyer. The doll later comes to life, battles the Mouse King, then transforms into a Prince who whisks Masha off to the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy hosts a festive celebration.
Artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde remarked in the program notes how this particular edition of The Nutcracker was actually bringing together different batches of cast members.
“Ballet Manila will be involving all its members from first, second, third to fourth generation dancers. Some of these artists have grown up in The Nutcracker from dancing one of the children around the Christmas tree or a rat in their first production, to one of the prancing dolls, fluttering snowflakes or partying parents, to even the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince! And so, the tradition is kept and passed on,” she enthused.
An enchanting glimpse of the Land of Snow with the dancing snowflakes. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
