Manila Bulletin’s Feliciano Rodriguez III showcases Ballet Philippines’ reimagined production of Alice in Wonderland, choreographed by Mikhail Martynyuk.
A recent feature from Manila Bulletin, written by Feliciano Rodriguez III, highlights Ballet Philippines’ holiday production of Alice in Wonderland, a new full-length ballet choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk. The article notes that the ballet, part of the company’s 56th season, blends classical technique with playful pantomime to offer a fresh take on Lewis Carroll’s iconic tale.
According to the Manila Bulletin piece, Ballet Philippines offered an exclusive first look at the production during a media preview held on November 7 at the Oasis Garden Café in Solaire Resort, Parañaque. During the event, dancers performed costumed excerpts, giving audiences an early glimpse of the imaginative choreography and visual design that will define the show.
The story follows Alice as her curiosity propels her into a dreamlike world where logic dissolves and imagination takes over. The article describes scenes featuring talking flowers, potions that alter Alice’s size, and memorable encounters such as the Mad Hatter’s riddle-filled tea party. It also highlights the chaotic courtroom of the Queen of Hearts, where flamingos and hedgehogs transform into croquet mallets. The ballet ends with Alice’s decisive cry of “Stop!”, breaking the dream and restoring order.
Manila Bulletin reports that Martynyuk aimed to craft a production where movement communicates emotion beyond words, merging classical ballet with “plastic comedy pantomime.” Ballet Philippines President Kathleen Liechtenstein adds that the work embodies the company’s mission to champion imagination, courage, and Filipino artistry.
The production runs from December 5 to 7, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire, with tickets available through TicketWorld.
Ballet Philippines unwraps the magic of the season with a visually spectacular and emotionally captivating new full-length production that blends technical rigor and comedic pantomime in a reimagined Alice in Wonderland.
Ballet Philippines officially unveiled its highly anticipated holiday production, Alice in Wonderland, during a media launch held on November 7 at the Oasis Garden Café in Solaire Resort Entertainment City. The event was hosted by Rhea Bautista and featured welcome remarks from Ballet Philippines Artistic Director, Mikhail Martynyuk, who shared his vision for bringing Lewis Carroll’s beloved story to life through the language of dance. Guests were treated to a special excerpt performance from Alice in Wonderland, offering an enchanting preview of the whimsy, wonder, and artistry audiences can expect from this year’s Christmas full-length ballet.
Rhea Bautista hosts the media launch of BP’s 56th Season Christmas Full-Length Ballet, Alice In Wonderland
Ballet Philippines now invites audiences to step into a world where imagination knows no limits as it presents a spectacular new production of Alice in Wonderland, part of the company’s acclaimed 56th Season. Choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, this completely original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved story blends breathtaking choreography with playful theatricality, reintroducing a timeless tale through the transformative language of dance.
BP’s Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk, welcomes media guests for the press launch of Alice In Wonderland
In Martynyuk’s reimagining of the classic, audiences are swept into a dreamlike realm where logic bends and wonder takes center stage. The story follows Alice, a curious young girl who, upon chasing a mysterious White Rabbit, finds herself tumbling into the whimsical world of Wonderland. As she journeys deeper into this extraordinary place, she passes through magical doors, samples enchanted potions and cakes, and encounters gardens of talking flowers that challenge her wit and resolve.
Each chapter of Alice’s adventure is brought vividly to life through Martynyuk’s inventive choreography and storytelling. A delightfully chaotic tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse is filled with riddles and whimsy, while the enigmatic Caterpillar helps Alice uncover the courage within her. But the stakes rise dramatically in the Queen of Hearts’ unpredictable court, where flamingos and hedgehogs become croquet mallets, tempers flare, and justice is anything but just. Accused alongside the Knave of Hearts, Alice ultimately defies the chaos, boldly crying “Stop!”—an act that breaks the dream’s spell and returns her to reality.
An excerpt from Alice in Wonderland gave guests a delightful preview of Ballet Philippines’ Christmas full-length ballet at Oasis Garden Cafe in Solaire
What distinguishes this Alice in Wonderland is Martynyuk’s artistic vision, which combines technically challenging choreography for the dancers with elements of plastic comedy pantomime to heighten the production’s theatrical energy. This innovative approach creates a ballet that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally engaging—an immersive, family-friendly experience designed to enchant audiences of all ages.
“As we continue to evolve Ballet Philippines’ artistic journey, Alice in Wonderland represents our ongoing mission to celebrate imagination, courage, and the joy of discovery,” shares Kathleen Liechtenstein, President of Ballet Philippines. “It also reflects our deeper purpose—to bring Filipino talent and artistry to the forefront of the global stage, showcasing how collaboration between world-class artists like Mikhail Martynyuk and our homegrown dancers creates a uniquely inspiring expression of creativity and excellence.”
For Mikhail Martynyuk, Alice in Wonderland is more than a reinterpretation of a classic—it is an exploration of the limitless creativity that defines ballet. “In Alice, I wanted to create a world where movement tells the story beyond words,” Martynyuk explains. “Through choreography, mime, and expression, we invite audiences to feel the humor, absurdity, and heart that make Wonderland so unforgettable.”
As the dream fades and Alice awakens beside her sister, she emerges forever changed by the journey—a reminder of the courage found in staying true to oneself and the limitless power of imagination.
Alice in Wonderland is one of the most anticipated productions of Ballet Philippines’ 56th Season, a year-long celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the enduring magic of dance.
Follow the White Rabbit and step into a world where dreams dance, time twists, and imagination knows no bounds.
Alice in Wonderland runs for only five performances from December 5 to 7, 2025 at the Theatre at Solaire:
December 5 (Gala Performance) – 8:00 PM
December 6 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
December 7 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Seats are limited—secure your tickets now at TicketWorld and be part of this unforgettable holiday journey through Wonderland.
For media inquiries, please contact Rosary Ysmael at 0917 724 1007.
