Ballet Philippines' Peter Pan

Part of the 46th season of Ballet Philippines, this production is specially staged in time for the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of Arnie Alesna

I was told that during the previous run, lots of children are wearing the traditional Peter Pan costumes while watching the ballet. Ballet Philippines continues to make productions ideal for the holidays and for the families.

When I got invited to watch this production, there were also students watching as part of their educational field trip. I am glad that there are kids who watches and probably are oriented properly on watching theatrical shows. But the important thing is that they also appreciate ballet.

The story is delivered quite well through dance form and even if you hear less dialogues. There are some parts with recorded dialogues just to give the audience about the scenes. But what really impress me is the flying acts.

For this part, I got to watch Jean Marc Cordero as Peter Pan and Rita Angela Winder as Wendy Darling. The dances are choreographed by Edna Froilan. According to Jean Marc, she directs them for the steps but when they are suspended in the air with cables, it's Johnny O. Pickett who directs them and they have to adjust the choreography that suits them while flying. Mr. Pickett is been in the business for magic acts in Las Vegas acts and Broadway productions. 

Jean Marc shares that it takes three people to lift one performer. Two to lift upwards and downwards, one to move across the stage. What makes this production unique was the major cast which consists of children. It is also good exposure for them and gives them idea how to work in a professional stage and guided by older dancers as they make good examples of them.

I am glad I got to watch this and I am looking forward the next production of Ballet Philippines next year. For more updates and schedule of performances of BP, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.