“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. 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. I started to build the ballet chapter by chapter in my head. But the actual creation didn’t happen until I was in the studio in front of the dancers. I hope the audience will laugh at the comedic scenes and swoon in the romantic ones; as well as stand up and scream during the technically difficult portions! I hope the audience comes out of the theater smiling and humming the music.” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde
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Ballet Manila principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and
Joshua Enciso |
Filipino viewers have traditionally enjoyed tales of intense passion, hidden identities, and arduous triumph. Ballet Manila is now bringing these concepts to life in a historic event: the country's first full-length performance of the classical masterwork Paquita. The company's founder and artistic director, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, is choreographing the production, which will begin at 8:00 p.m. on June 19 at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. & June 20–21 at 5:00 p.m.
Paquita is rarely performed in its full, despite being an essential component of classical ballet. Lisa also believes that Filipinos will find it very relevant due to the tragic narrative. Lisa describes 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.”
The plot, set in Spain, revolves around a young Romani woman who stops a governor from executing Lucien, a French lieutenant. Along the way, she discovers her own aristocratic heritage, which helps the couple overcome rigid social norms and get married in a happy ending that appeals to many Filipinos.
Paquita's big divertissement at Ballet Manila's Pearl Gala event in March 2025 set the stage for this historic production. Lisa recalled getting interested in learning more about the story behind the ballet footage. Even though the show honors its classical roots, Macuja Elizalde deliberately avoided watching earlier performances in order to keep her choreography entirely original.
Her close cooperation with her crew has reinforced Ballet Manila's strong Russian ballet foundation. Lisa noted that the company's 40-person ensemble is the perfect size to handle the challenging, intricate choreography. Joshua Enciso and Abigail Oliveiro, two talented lead dancers, and Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes, two solos, alternate as the central protagonists in this show. Together, they bring fresh beauty to one of the most amazing classical ballet performances by capturing the dual spirit of Paquita and Lucien.
“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, Principal Dancers
Under Lisa's guidance, Oliveiro has found taking on Paquita's position to be incredibly rewarding and cooperative. Furthermore, the role offers Oliveiro a special chance to showcase a particular facet of her creative skills. Ultimately, the creative team and performers hope that the show will excite and inspire viewers.
The Philippine ballet scene will reach
another milestone with the historic world premiere of Paquita on June 19
at 8:00 p.m., June 20 & 21 at 5:00 p.m. 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
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