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

Ballet Manila has been inspiring generations and exceeding expectations for 30 years

“Taking company class every day and jumping until the end of class is a must-do for everyone in the company. The rule really was no class, no rehearsal. No rehearsal, no performance. All part of the discipline needed to stay in top form to be able to dance well. He has taught so many dancers and has basically changed the landscape of male ballet dancers in the Philippines. I think we would not have survived the pandemic if we didn't have the technology to connect with other dancers and teachers through online learning. I still believe that face to face instruction and meeting inside the sacred walls of the studio is still the most effective way of learning as a dance student and teaching as a dance instructor. bringing ballet to the people and people to the ballet. To keep on dancing, one high-quality performance at a time. Every time I talk to my dancers during our Green Room before the performance begins, I always tell them to dance so well that the audience will want to come back again and again. That’s the way to keep on bringing ballet to the people and more people to the ballet. One great performance at a time that people will not want to miss! The best is always yet to come!” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila's CEO and Artistic Director

Ballet Manila successfully celebrates its 30th anniversary against all obstacles and beyond all expectations, which is a monument to its tenacity, unrelenting devotion, and limitless innovation. From its modest beginnings marred by doubt and pessimism, Ballet Manila has grown to become a representation of creative brilliance and a ray of hope that has motivated innumerable others to strive hard and passionately toward their own goals.

Three decades of dedication and passion for excellence

Ballet Manila's CEO and Artistic Director, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, reflects on the journey, saying that Ballet Manila has established a legacy that speaks for itself, with the values instilled by its first artistic director, Eric V. Cruz, and her longtime co-artistic director, the late Osias Barroso Jr., at its core.

She stressed that the foundation of the company's success has been daily instruction, discipline, and putting the wellbeing of the dancers first. Over the past thirty years, Ballet Manila has accomplished several milestones thanks to these beliefs.

Her favorite classical ballets are "Swan Lake" and "La Bayadere," which featured a particularly powerful female corps de ballet, and "Reconfigured" and "Bloom," which demonstrated the strength of their male ensemble. While the Lisa Macuja Swan Song series honored a ballerina's remarkable career with live orchestral accompaniment, their specialty presentations, like "Circus De Ballet" and "Ballet and Ballads," have enthralled large audiences.

Being the first Filipino full-length ballet to do this, the company was especially proud of "Ibong Adarna"'s 2014 worldwide premiere at the Karmiel Festival in Israel. These critically acclaimed performances demonstrate how Ballet Manila's dedication to quality and artistry produces its dancers.

Many of its alumni have gone on to achieve great success in their careers. Christine Rocas, for instance, retired after being a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, Illinois for over 15 seasons. Katherine Barkman is currently a soloist with the San Francisco Ballet, and Chris Mohnani, now Managing Director of the Samsung Performing Arts Center, was a principal dancer of Nashville Ballet and former artistic director of Dance Theater of Tennessee. Jeffrey and Pamela Espejo both serve as faculty at Steps and Academy One, while Elline Damian, Aileen Gallinera, and Eduardo Espejo were principal dancers with Ballet David Campos in Barcelona, Spain. Ea Torrado has established herself as the artistic director of her dance company.

Lisa also emphasizes the current generation of teachers and dancers, such as Romeo and Sofia Peralta, Eileen Lopez, and Gerardo Francisco Jr., who are flourishing at Ballet Manila and the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet. Lisa's favorite and most accomplished pupil of all time is the late Osias Barroso Jr., who was Ballet Manila's co-artistic director before to his death.

Although Ballet Manila's dancers continue to be its mainstay, Lisa also recognizes the critical role technology plays in helping the dance group stay ahead of the competition. By shooting and documenting rehearsals and performances, it has also aided in reenacting ballets and helping with choreography memory. She did, however, also stress the value of in-person training.

Dancing into the future

Lisa has a lot to be happy about as Ballet Manila celebrates its 30th anniversary. She wants to keep enjoying her profession as an artistic director, mentor, and performer.

And with so many initiatives and plans already in the works, it's all set to go. She is currently working diligently on "PEARLS," a brand-new choreography for the Pearl Gala that honors the company's 30th anniversary. In addition, she is excited to add a fourth Princess Ballet to her Princess Trilogy. She also plans to expand their Filipino series, which now consists of "Ibong Adarna" and "Florante at Laura," to include additional literary masterpieces that were studied in college and high school.

She also intends to follow up on her "La Traviata" with another opera-based ballet, highlighting the limitless potential for future works. Additionally, anticipation is growing for their 2025 domestic and worldwide tours, which will bring Ballet Manila's beloved ballets "Ibong Adarna" and "Cinderella" to a number of domestic and foreign venues.

The best is yet to come!

Ballet Manila remains dedicated to its mission of Lisa's strategy is simple yet powerful.

With this inspiring vision, Ballet Manila is moving forward, propelled by a solid base and ongoing creativity. Ballet Manila is well-positioned for ongoing success thanks to a school that often trains and supplies the company with professional dancers, a robust social media presence, domestic and international tours, and backing from its patron Fred J. Elizalde. dance Manila reaffirms its commitment to excellence, innovation, and bringing the beauty of dance to everyone's hearts as it commemorates this significant milestone. Even though Ballet Manila's adventure started thirty years ago, it is far from over.

"The best is always yet to come!"

For more information about Ballet Manila and its upcoming performances, please visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.  

Ballet Manila's "Rise!" ushers in the renaissance of live performances

"We will come back leaner but stronger. It's great to be back with a real live performance. There's nothing like live performances after two years of video, filmmaking, and teaching ballet online. They say seeing is believing. We can do it and we have done it. Yes, we will soar. We all need each other to make this happen, not just Aliw, Ballet Manila, but all of the creative industries. We are here for tou and we can do this together." ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Prima Ballerina and Ballet Manila Artistic Director and CEO

Ballet Manila's "Rise!" ushers in the renaissance of live performances. The double bill show is a rare treat for fans it will feature all the beloved elements of performing arts such as opera, popular, OPM, and orchestral music.

Echoing a message of hope and light amid a time of uncertainty and fear, Ballet Manila's new show captures the essence of rising through adversities and fulfilling Macuja-Elizalde's well-publicized "phoenix rising" pronouncement after the home theater was razed by a fire.

Much more than just incorporating a phoenix's nature of rebirth and new beginnings, the special performance is also a clewbration of the return of live performance. "Rise!" is a double bill show that will begin with a pop program entitled "Ballet & Ballads" and a retelling in ballet of the opera "La Traviata" as choreographed by Lisa Macuja Elizalde. 

While the moving performance of Ballet Manila is the centerpiece of the much-awaited production, "Rise!" is a rare treat for fans.

Featuring the highly respected conductor Maestro Gerard Salonga as the musical director and orchestra conductor, the show will be graced by renowned artists, including pop singer Bituin Escalante who is touted as one of the country's best female vocalists. Award-winning opera singer Jade Riccio and multi-talented singer Ivan Nery are also headlining the show. 

Supporting these prominent artists is a powerhouse creative team, led by Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde as overall artistic director, theater artist Michael Williams as the stage director, playwright Luna Inocian as the scriptwriters and Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance as choreographers. There is a 12 person opera ensemble and a 60-piece bespoke orchestra handpicked by the Maestro Salonga himself.

The fire, the pandemic, and the challenges before this amazing comeback - Macuja-Elizalde believes they gave the company the opportunity to rest, recover, rebuild, and rethink their future - reinventing both the theater and Ballet Manila to become leaner, meaner, better, and ready to adapt to any kind of change that the winds may bring.

"Rise!" will be staged on the 7th of October at 8PM and on the 9th of October at 5PM at the Aliw Theater. 

Tickets are available exclusively through Ticketworld, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call Ticketworld hotline at 8891-9999. For more information, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.

For inquiries or to book a space at Aliw Theater, visit https://aliwtheater.com.ph/