Philippines – The Philippine Ballet Theatre received an early holiday gift that will keep the celebrations alive: PBT has been named the first National Performing Arts Company for ballet and contemporary dance for the years 2024-2029. This designation is in accordance with The National Performing Arts Companies Act (NPAC), which was enacted as Republic Act No. 11392 on August 22, 2018. This incredible honor was confirmed after a thorough series of deliberations and screenings. Ultimately, the company emerged victorious, thanks to its wealth of Filipino repertoire and a proven mark of excellence. PBT is approaching the challenge of maintaining national status with passion and unwavering focus. This milestone also brings a stronger support system for their artistic vision.
Stepping into the Holiday Season
One of PBT’s first decisions as NPAC for dance took shape on September 16, 2024. The indefatigable Anatoly Panasyukov from Russia returns as PBT’s ballet master. Born and trained in Russia, Anatoly graduated cum laude from the Bolshoi Ballet School. He has performed as a dancer with the Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow and as a principal dancer for the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre, as well as the Moscow Ballet Theatre of Classical Dance. While the younger generation of dancers may not be familiar with him, Anatoly is a household name in the dance community. He held the position of Ballet Master at Philippine Ballet Theatre from 1995 to 2020, a tenure briefly interrupted by the pandemic. With his stellar career and extensive teaching experience both locally and abroad, Anatoly’s return is anticipated to revitalize the company. He will also take the stage as PBT’s resident character dancer as needed. As Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario succinctly stated, “Anatoly is finally home. Our family is now complete, and we are ready for the holiday season.” He is truly regarded as the best Christmas gift the PBT dancers could receive this year.
Well-Seasoned Feast
Anatoly will join a brand-new cast debuting in *The Nutcracker*, where he will portray the mysterious Drosselmeyer. Sarah-Filippa Belgica will debut as Clara, alongside Sophia Martina Marie Lourdes Tiangco. Interestingly, Belgica and Martina are both PBT “babies,” having first danced on stage as party kids in the Philippine Ballet Theatre. Joanna Galeste, a homegrown talent, will debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy, alternating with Eloisa Jessa Tangalin. The role of the Nutcracker Prince will be played by Jimmy Lumba, alternating with Matthew Davo. Despite being a holiday staple, Philippine Ballet Theatre’s *The Nutcracker* is always infused with something new. This version, based on Gelsey Kirkland’s 1995 staging, features updated choreography by Ronilo Jaynario to the classical music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Adding even more flavor is Anatoly’s unique brand of storytelling. Seasoned to perfection, it promises to be a feast for the senses.
Closing the season with a magical tale about Clara’s journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, PBT’s *The Nutcracker* promises to be a vibrant spectacle. With generous support from Philippine Airlines as their primary partner, *The Nutcracker* will open on November 30, 2024, and run through December 1, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketworld or through the PBT Secretariat.
For reservations and inquiries you may contact the following, (02) 8671 1697 | (0968) 870 8887 | (0912) 945 5151 | secretariat@pbt.org.ph
NUTCRACKER Brief Synopsis
On Christmas Eve, Clara receives a magical nutcracker doll from her godfather, Drosselmeyer. As night falls, Clara is swept away into a fantastical dream when her toys suddenly come alive.She witnesses a battle between her Nutcracker Prince and the Rat king and by stroke of look she saves the Price. In gratitude the Prince brought Clara to a journey to the Land of Snow and Kingdom of the Sweets. A nightmare turns into a beautiful dream. But was it really a dream?
