A young girl’s tumble down a rabbit hole takes center stage this Christmas as Ballet Philippines unveils Alice in Wonderland, a new full-length ballet choreographed by Artistic Director Mikhail Martynyuk. The production, part of the company’s 56th season, blends classical rigor with playful pantomime, presenting a reimagined take on Lewis Carroll’s timeless story.

Ahead of its premiere, Ballet Philippines offered a glimpse of the production during a media preview on Nov. 7 at the Oasis Garden Café in Solaire Resort, Parañaque. Dancers performed excerpts in costume, giving guests a preview of the imaginative choreography and design that will define the show.

The ballet follows Alice, whose curiosity leads her into a world where rules of reason are suspended and imagination reigns. From sipping potions that alter her size to meeting gardens of talking flowers, she moves through scenes that balance humor with emotional depth.

One of the production’s most striking sequences unfolds in the Mad Hatter’s tea party, filled with riddles and absurdity. Later, the Queen of Hearts’ courtroom erupts into chaos as flamingos and hedgehogs turn into croquet mallets and tempers flare. Alice’s story culminates in a moment of defiance when she shouts, “Stop!” which shatters the dream and restores order.

For Mikhail, the challenge lay in turning a familiar fantasy into movement that speaks without words. “In Alice, I wanted to create a world where movement tells the story beyond words,” he said. “Through choreography, mime, and expression, we invite audiences to feel the humor, absurdity, and heart that make Wonderland so unforgettable.”

The production, he explains, merges classical ballet technique with “plastic comedy pantomime,” infusing the piece with theatrical energy. This mix creates what Ballet Philippines describes as a visually rich, 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,” said 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.”

As the curtain falls and Alice awakens beside her sister, the ballet ends with a quiet moment that underscores its central theme: the courage to stay true to oneself and the boundless reach of imagination.

Alice in Wonderland will run for five performances from Dec. 5 to 7, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire. Showtimes are Dec. 5 (gala performance) at 8 p.m.; Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.