Ballet Manila brings full-length 'Paquita' to PH stage

Insider Spotlight

•  Performances are set for June 19 to 21 at Aliw Theater 
• Lisa Macuja Elizalde says the ballet has telenovela-like appeal 
• The ballet follows a young Romani woman who discovers her noble roots while navigating love, intrigue, and social barriers
  
  
  

Ballet enthusiasts are set for a historic premiere as Ballet Manila stages the country’s first full-length production of “Paquita,” bringing a classical tale of romance, hidden identity, and triumph to Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

The production, choreographed by Ballet Manila founder and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, opens June 19 at 8:00 p.m., with additional performances on June 20 and 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Why it matters

Although Paquita is a classical ballet staple, it is rarely mounted in full. Ballet Manila’s version marks a milestone for the local dance scene while aiming to make the story accessible to Filipino audiences.

Macuja Elizalde described the narrative as “quite like a soap opera, with twists and turns that are amusing and entertaining which is perfect for Filipinos who love a great story or telenovela.”

Set in Spain, Paquita follows a young Romani woman who saves French officer Lucien from an assassination plot. She later discovers her noble heritage, clearing the way for the couple to overcome social barriers and marry.

The backstory

The production grew out of Ballet Manila’s Pearl Gala in March 2025, where the company performed Paquita’s grand divertissement. The excerpt led Macuja Elizalde to explore the complete ballet.

“When I finally read it in full, I decided that it would be exciting and perfectly manageable to present a two-act classical ballet to the Filipino audience,” Macuja Elizalde said.

She said she avoided watching existing versions so the choreography would remain her own. “I started to build the ballet chapter by chapter in my head," she explained. "But the actual creation didn’t happen until I was in the studio in front of the dancers.”

The cast

Ballet Manila’s 40-member ensemble will perform the demanding work, led by alternating pairs Joshua Enciso and Abigail Oliveiro, and Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes.

“It is always a good experience, and she is very clear in what she wants while keeping an open mind," Oliveiro shared. "I try to listen and observe what Ma'am Lisa wants from the ballet, character, or scene so I can understand her vision and fulfill it.”

“I realized I had to tap into my more playful side which, dare I say, is not a common theme in a lot of my repertoire," she added. "So I’m certainly enjoying being playful.” —Ramon C. Nocon |Ed: Corrie S. Narisma