Ballet Philippines’ ‘The Nutcracker’ brings Filipino heart to Christmas classic

Every detail behind Ballet Manila’s staging of “The Nutcracker” tells a story long before the first notes of music play. Intricate set pieces take shape in the wings. Hand-crafted costumes fill the dressing rooms. Furthermore, dancers push their physical limits to transform strict classical form into raw, unfiltered heart.

Bringing Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1892 holiday classic The Nutcracker to life is far more than an annual ritual for this creative team. It serves as an authentic testament to the emotional depth and world-class mastery of Filipino artists that have time and again made adaptations of this original Alexander Dumas tale.

READ: Lisa Macuja says ‘fighting spirit renewed’ amid Timothée Chalamet’s ballet remarks

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While Clara’s story enchanted global audiences for generations, restaging choreographer Jeffrey Espejo emphasizes a distinctively local spirit for this performance.

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“As a Filipino choreographer, we are rooted deeply in family, the warmth, the joy, and we will show them on stage,” Espejo shared. “It’s still the same classical ballet that you love, but with Filipino heart. We pour emotion into everything, not just technique or rigorous classical training.”

Artistic director and prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde echoed this sentiment. Specifically, she shared how international observers consistently marvel at the raw commitment of local performers.

“Every Filipino artist performs like it’s the last performance of their lives,” Macuja-Elizalde noted. “They give it, as we say, ‘todo-na’, not holding back. Paired with Tchaikovsky’s majesty and the celebration of Christmas, it is a huge privilege to bring ‘The Nutcracker’ to life.”

In addition, the visual narrative of “The Nutcracker” reflects years of deliberate artistic planning. Acclaimed designer Gino Gonzales spent years designing complete costume sets and scenery specifically for this run. Meanwhile, veteran lighting designer Monino Duque sculpted the enchanting visual landscape to complete the atmosphere.

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For Steps Dance Studio founder Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, watching the full production come together fulfills a long-standing vision of an all-Filipino holiday tradition.

“The theater was really created to be a home for Filipino artists,” she said. “We really wanted to put a beautiful Nutcracker together that was all-Filipino created. You never tire of this story, and Christmas would not be the same without it. We hope this is a tradition we continue year after year.”

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The venue leadership strongly shares this commitment to elevating homegrown talent. Venue Executive Director Christopher Mohnani highlighted the significance of hosting an all-Filipino creative team on a world-class stage. He noted that bringing such a monumental production to life demonstrates how local facilities and homegrown artists can collaborate to deliver international-caliber theater experiences for the community.

A leading real estate developer presents this milestone staging of “The Nutcracker” alongside key corporate patrons, including a major digital wallet provider and a multinational banking institution. Consequently, the production unites top artists from Ballet Manila and Steps Dance Studio on one stage.

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The limited season of “The Nutcracker” takes center stage at a premier performing arts venue in Circuit Makati from December 11 to 13, 2026. Therefore, audiences seeking to experience this holiday landmark can secure their seats exclusively through major official ticketing outlets. /edv