Ballet Manila Brings the Magic of Paquita to Life in a Historic Philippine Premiere

Love, secrets, destiny, and a triumphant ending, these are the timeless ingredients that have captivated Filipino audiences for generations.

This June, Ballet Manila transforms those beloved themes into an unforgettable stage spectacle with the country's first full-length production of the classical ballet Paquita.

Under the creative direction of Ballet Manila founder and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, this landmark production will take center stage at Aliw Theater in Pasay City on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. and June 20 to 21 at 5:00 p.m., marking a major milestone in Philippine ballet history.

While Paquita is celebrated as one of the most iconic works in classical ballet, complete full-length performances remain rare around the world. For Macuja Elizalde, however, the ballet’s rich storytelling makes it a perfect fit for Filipino audiences.

“The story is very much like a soap opera,” she shared. “It has twists, surprises, romance, and entertaining moments that Filipinos can easily connect with because we love great stories and telenovelas.”

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Spain, Paquita follows the journey of a young Romani woman who courageously saves the life of French officer Lucien from a deadly assassination plot. As the story unfolds, she uncovers a life-changing secret about her own noble lineage. The revelation allows the star-crossed lovers to overcome social barriers and find their long-awaited happy ending, a narrative filled with heart, hope, and triumph.

The idea for this ambitious production took root in March 2025 during Ballet Manila’s Pearl Gala celebration, where a grand divertissement from Paquita was performed. The excerpt sparked Macuja Elizalde’s curiosity and inspired her to explore the ballet’s complete story.

“When I finally read the full narrative, I immediately felt it would be exciting and completely possible to present a two-act classical ballet to Filipino audiences,” she recalled.

Although deeply respectful of the ballet’s classical heritage, Macuja Elizalde approached the project with a fresh perspective. She intentionally avoided watching existing productions, choosing instead to build her own interpretation from the ground up.

“I imagined the ballet chapter by chapter in my head,” she explained. “But the actual creation only came alive when I stepped into the studio and worked directly with the dancers.”

The production also highlights Ballet Manila’s strong Russian ballet training and artistic discipline. Supported by a 40-member ensemble, the company is uniquely equipped to perform the ballet’s technically demanding choreography while preserving its elegance and grandeur.

Leading the cast are two exceptional pairs of dancers who will alternate in the principal roles of Paquita and Lucien. Principal dancers Joshua Enciso and Abigail Oliveiro will share the spotlight, alongside soloists Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes. Together, they bring fresh energy, artistry, and emotional depth to one of ballet’s most beloved romantic pairings.

For Oliveiro, portraying Paquita has been both a creative challenge and a rewarding journey.

“Working with Ma’am Lisa is always a wonderful experience,” she said. “She is very clear about her vision while remaining open to collaboration. I make it a point to listen carefully and observe what she wants from each scene and character so I can bring her vision to life.”

The role has also encouraged Oliveiro to embrace a different side of her performance style.

“I realized I needed to tap into a more playful side of myself, which isn’t something I often get to explore in many of my previous roles,” she shared. “I’m really enjoying that aspect of the character.”

As opening night approaches, the cast and creative team hope audiences will be swept away by the ballet’s mix of romance, humor, and breathtaking technique.

“I hope audiences laugh during the funny moments, fall in love with the romantic scenes, and cheer during the technically demanding parts,” said Macuja Elizalde. “Most of all, I hope they leave the theater smiling and humming the music.”

With its compelling story, dazzling choreography, and historic significance, Paquita promises to be one of the most important cultural events of the year. More than just a ballet performance, it represents a proud achievement for Philippine performing arts and a rare opportunity for audiences to witness a full-length classical masterpiece brought to life by Filipino talent.

Paquita will have its historic world premiere on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. and June 20 to 21 at 5:00 p.m. at Aliw Theater. For updates on performances and special events, visit Ballet Manila’s official website at balletmanila.com.ph and TicketWorld at ticketworld.com.ph.