Nutcracker Ballets Planned Across Philippines, US

Ayala Land, Ballet Manila and Steps Dance Studio will present Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at Makati’s Samsung Performing Arts Theater on Dec. 11–13, 2026, marking the ballet’s venue debut. The production will use designer Gino Gonzales’ pastel-colored sets and costumes and traditional physical stagecraft rather than digital backdrops, with choreography by Jeffrey Espejo and lighting by Monino Duque. In Mansfield, Ohio, Richland Academy of the Arts will stage its 11th annual “Nutcracker” at the Renaissance Theatre on Dec. 5–6, featuring 92 performers, including guest artists from Cleveland Ballet.