Ballet Manila Lisa Macuja Elizalde brings creative vision to Ballet Manila's first full-length Paquita in the Philippines

“I have always wondered where this beautiful ballet excerpt comes from in the context with the story of Paquita. The ballet excerpt is always described as the culmination of the love story of a gypsy girl Paquita with a French officer Lucien. I concluded that it would be exciting and perfectly manageable to present a two-act classical ballet to the Filipino audience. I read the lengthy text in a book about rare Russian ballets that included Paquita. I listened to the music of the full-length ballet by Anna-Marie Holmes, Kevin Gaile, and Li-Mei Liang. I started to build the ballet chapter by chapter in my head. I combined and interchanged music pieces. Included some of the famous variations but to be danced in the beginning and middle portions of the ballet, instead of having all the variations in the end divertissement the way it is normally performed. Personally, this particular world premiere of Paquita is like a baby of mine. When you create a new full-length ballet almost from scratch, it is like giving birth to a living, breathing creation. It is a ballet that will be uniquely Ballet Manila’s. A part of our classical ballet legacy!” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde

(L-R) Ballet Manila Principal Dancers Romeo Peralta and Mark Sumaylo; Soloist Shamira Drapete; artistic Director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde; Soloist Jos David Andes; Principal Dancer Abigail Oliveiro; and Soloist John Balagot

Lisa Macuja Elizalde's unequaled creative vision takes center stage when dance Manila presents the Philippines' first full-length performance of Paquita, a courageous and historic step that exemplifies her unwavering commitment to elevating classical dance in the country. Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Oliveiro will be the principal dancers, with Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes performing as solos. The historic run begins on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theatre in Pasay City. followed by 5:00 p.m. The shows take place on June 20 and 21.

Ballet Manila artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

The route to this full-length show began in March 2025, when Paquita's divertissement was performed at Ballet Manila's Pearl Gala celebration. Macuja Elizalde became more curious after seeing the performance. At its core, Paquita is a love story about self-discovery and success, which Macuja Elizalde hopes would strike a chord with local viewers. The plot is around a young Romani woman in Spain who saves the life of a French lieutenant, Lucien, from a governor's assassination plan. Along the way, she learns about her own aristocratic background, allowing the couple to transcend tight social barriers and marry in a happy ending that many Filipinos like.

At its core, Paquita is a love story about self-discovery and accomplishment, which Macuja Elizalde hopes will resonate with local audiences. The plot is around a young Romani woman in Spain who saves the life of a French lieutenant, Lucien, from a governor's assassination attempt. Along the way, she discovers her own royal lineage, allowing the couple to overcome strict social obstacles and marry in a happy ending that many Filipinos prefer.

When Macuja Elizalde began investigating the history of the ballet fragment and reading it in full, she decided to perform the entire piece. While Ballet Manila's production honors Paquita's classical roots, Macuja Elizalde deliberately avoided watching earlier versions of the ballet to ensure her choreography was entirely original. Instead, she immersed herself in studies and music, creating her own version.

Drawing on these elements, Macuja Elizalde developed an interpretation that balances tradition with her own artistic preferences. Nonetheless, she stated that the true creative process was only fully realized in the studio, in collaboration with her dancers. Working closely with her crew has helped to enhance Ballet Manila's Russian Vaganova base. Macuja Elizalde noted that the company's 40-person ensemble is excellent for presenting demanding classical choreography. She also thanked her leading ladies, Abigail Oliveiro and Shamira Drapete, who are both making their debuts as the titular character and "dancing her so well."

Ballet Manila Soloists Jos David Andes and Shamira Drapete

Oliveiro's debut as Paquita under Macuja Elizalde's direction was both exciting and collaborative. The position also allows Oliveiro to showcase a unique aspect of her talent.

“It is always a good experience, and she is very clear in what she wants while keeping an open mind. 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. So I’m certainly enjoying being playful.” ~Abigail Oliveiro

(L-R) Ballet Manila principal dancers Romeo Peralta, Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo

Finally, Macuja Elizalde regards Paquita as more than just a performance; it is an extension of her 40-year legacy in Philippine ballet.  And, like the explosive performance, she hopes it will increase Filipinos' appreciation for the arts.

Show dates :

June 19, 2026  8:00 p.m.

June 20 & 21  5:00 p.m.

Aliw Theater, Pasay City

Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph