THOMASIAN danseur and former Salinggawi Dance Troupe member Osias Barroso choreographed the classic children’s tale “Pinocchio” for Ballet Manila (BM) into a fitting Christmas ballet story. It was staged early this month at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.
The ballet show, the third installation of BM’s “From Page to Stage” repertoire for its 20th season, enchanted young people and adults as a two-act holiday production derived from the 1940 animated film by Walt Disney Productions. Originally, the story was based on the 1883 children’s novel by Italian writer Carlo Collodi, The Adventures of Pinocchio.
“Pinocchio exhibits hope, love and festivities; a perfect Christmas season production for the family,” Barroso told the Varsitarian. “I believe that the kid in all of us will adore the colorful, magical, and entertaining classical ballet story.”
Geppetto is a lonely wood carver who creates a puppet he calls Pinocchio. Perhaps wanting his own son, he makes a wish to the stars for the puppet to come to life. The Blue Fairy grants his wish but warns Pinocchio that in order for him to become a real boy, he needs to prove himself by being brave, truthful and selfless.
Pinocchio goes through a series of magical adventures and misadventures with Jiminy Cricket, the talking cricket and the story’s narrator. They meet the dishonest Cat and Fox duo, the greedy Stromboli, the wicked Circus Master and the giant whale who swallows him.
In the end, Pinnochio proves his worth and he becomes a full boy.
Alvin Santos, Barroso’s protégé, played Pinocchio and enthralled the audience with his entrechats and pirouettes (rapid turns) in allegros topped off by grand jetés (split jumps).
“He [Santos] is an inspiration because of his dedication and tenure in the art of Ballet,” Barroso said.
Aside from the spectacular classical ballet dancing, Pinocchio offered other spectacles such as a scene titled “Pleasure Island” which featured acrobats, jugglers, and a unicycle rider in a circus-themed setting. A.A.A. Bulan
