This Yuletide season, one of the best things to see aside from someone dressed as Santa, a choir singing carols, Christmas light shows, and perhaps a heartwarming family movie, is a classic fairy tale retold through ballet.

In celebration of its golden year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), together with Ballet Philippines, its resident dance company and the country’s flagship in ballet, recently presented an old-time classic story of love, fantasy and romance — Cinderella.

The lobby of the CCP was beautifully dressed as it presented a scene from this most unforgettable tale — the clock struck 12 and the golden carriage slowly transformed back into a pumpkin as it left the castle. This scene was a fixture at the lobby of the CCP, complete with two life-size metal horses made by no less than Movement 8 artist Ann Pamintuan. There were nine more horses that seemed to gallop around the lobby going up to the third floor of the CCP. The setup was executed by Craftsmith Guild, a young creative council that also services brands such as Seek The Uniq, Gingersnaps, Pio Pio, Wholesome Table, Lady Scott Jones, Lara, etc.

For Cinderella, renowned shoe and bag designer Zarah Juan collaborated and created three designs to choose from to gift to the most stylish during the ballet’s gala evening. Captivated by the iconic fairy tale, the seasoned artist specifically drew inspiration from the carriage, the broom and the gown. Zarah Juan will continue these designs with her brand, and a certain percentage from sales will be donated to Ballet Philippines. 

As well-heeled fashion personalities, editors, designers, models and the young set trooped in full force to the CCP, the gala evening seemed like a fashion editorial plucked out of the pages of Vogue. Guests arrived in their most stellar, regal and royal modern formals as stated on the dress code The art of dressing up to see the ballet is a tradition with old-world charm. Back in the day when watching the performing arts was the thing, dressing up for the ballet was nothing less than a showcase of style.

Locally, there are efforts to bring back the ballet culture. Aside from making the ballet a social calendar event, it is also important that staging it would create cultural appreciation among the young. There should be steady support to ensure the survival of the performing arts and local ballet dancers.