Costumes are integral to storytelling in ballet, and in Ballet Philippines’ Christmas production of Peter Pan, the designs transport audiences from the everyday world into the fantastical realm of Neverland. We sat down with the production’s costume designer, Eleanora Martynyuk, to uncover the creativity and thought behind bringing these timeless characters to life.

Capturing Character Evolution

The costumes reflect the evolution of the characters while maintaining a connection to the story’s original era. Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook remain instantly recognizable, with designs rooted in the classic style of the time the story was written. The Lost Boys, however, have been reimagined to embody diverse roles within their group.
“The Lost Boys are a little older than in the original story,” Elya explains. “They now include twin engineer brothers, a hunter, a guard, and others with distinct identities.”

Balancing Functionality and Elegance

Designing for ballet requires an intricate balance of form and function.
Martynyuk reveals how this influenced Wendy’s costume:
“Her dress needed smooth lines and a fitted waist to avoid hindering complex pas de deux and adagios with Peter Pan.” Similarly, Captain Hook’s costume conveys his duality: “He is both elegant and pirate-like, a gentleman with good education, but also a dark soul. His suit reflects this contrast in its details.”

Bringing Neverland to Life

In Ballet Philippines' Peter Pan, the costumes not only distinguish characters but also create the distinct worlds of the story. “The performance exists in two worlds—real and unreal—but even within Neverland, there’s a more magical place: the mermaids’ lagoon,” said the designer. “Their costumes mirror the beauty of nature, emphasizing their fabulous, otherworldly essence.”

Inspiration for the designs stemmed from three key elements: the story, the music, and the choreography. These layers of creativity ensure that every costume tells its own story while enhancing the ballet’s visual and emotional impact.

From the mirror-like shimmer of the mermaids to the timeless allure of Peter Pan’s green ensemble, each costume in Peter Pan serves as a bridge between fantasy and reality, helping the audience rise up and soar with the characters.