Snow White state of mind: Nanami Hasegawa and Romeo Peralta
Talk about an evil queen and her all-knowing mirror, a princess on the run, seven dwarfs in the forest, a poisoned apple and a prince’s life-restoring kiss – and what do you get?
Snow White, but of course!
Ballet Manila brings back this beloved fairy tale as the featured production in its Holiday Cheer Series 2025. As choreographed by artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Snow White combines romance, adventure, comedy – and just a little touch of magic!
In keeping with this light-hearted fare, we ask the two couples taking on the lead roles for their thoughts about all things Snow White! Here, company artist Nanami Hasegawa talks about a recent moment that made her feel she was in a fairy tale while principal dancer Romeo Peralta describes his concept of “happily ever after.”
NANAMI HASEGAWA
Which version of Snow White is the most memorable for you?
The Disney animation. I always remember she walks with the birds tweeting and she sings. Very innocent, pure girl. I always love the animation. I love the princess animation in general. I love Disney.
If you were one of the dwarfs, which one would you be? Why?
Happy! Because I’m generally a happy person. I love to have joy with people. I don’t do that well when I’m on my own doing nothing. So yeah, I guess Happy!
Tell us about that moment when you felt like you were in a fairy tale.
I went hiking (with other dancers) when we had a holiday. It was my first time going up on the mountains feeling nature, seeing a sea of clouds. In Antipolo. The air is so clear. I always grew up in a city so I never had the chance to go up and be surrounded by nature. I was like… this is really fairytale-like!
What would you ask the magic mirror?
I would ask, “What are my true strengths and weaknesses?” Because the things I believe I’m not very good at sometimes appear to be my strengths to others, and the way people see me can be so different from how I see myself.
Please describe your “happily ever after”.
After a long day of rehearsals, with lots of sweat, when you take a shower, fresh, ready to go to bed, sleep… that is the best moment!
ROMEO PERALTA
Which version of Snow White is the most memorable for you?
Probably the animated version but that was a long time ago. I saw some films before, and read the book, but I'm more of a cartoon person. I've never seen any version in ballet and in a play.
If you were one of the dwarfs, which one would you be? Why?
If I were to be one of the dwarfs, I would like to play Doc. He is the leader of the gang. I like to lead people into something that makes them “them”.
What is the most princely thing you’ve done for a girl?
The time when Sofia and I tied the knot in front of our family and loved ones.
What would you ask the magic mirror?
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the most handsome one of them all? Hahahaha!
Please describe your “happily ever after”.
It would be knowing that in the future my kids have a better life, that they have reached their goals, and have found their purpose in life. Also, to have lots of time to spend with the people I love would definitely be a “happily ever after”.
Top photo: Nanami Hasegawa is a first-time Snow White while Romeo Peralta is a returning Prince in Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Snow White on December 25, 27 and 29, 4 p.m., at Aliw Theater. Nanami’s photo by MarBi Photography; Romeo’s photo by Erickson Dela Cruz
