Ballet Manila Paquita is set to make Philippine ballet history as the company stages the country’s first full-length production of the classical masterpiece. Choreographed by Ballet Manila founder and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Paquita will run at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. and June 20 to 21 at 5:00 p.m.
The landmark staging brings romance, hidden identities, comedy, and triumph to Filipino audiences through a two-act classical ballet that Macuja Elizalde describes as having the appeal of a telenovela.
Ballet Manila Paquita Brings a Classical Story to Life
Set in Spain, Paquita follows a young Romani woman who saves the life of Lucien, a French officer targeted in a governor’s assassination plot. As the story unfolds, Paquita discovers her noble heritage, allowing her and Lucien to overcome social barriers and reach a romantic happy ending.
Although Paquita is a cornerstone of classical ballet, it is rarely performed in its entirety. Ballet Manila’s full-length staging marks a major milestone for the local ballet scene and gives Filipino audiences a chance to experience the complete story onstage.
Lisa Macuja Elizalde Creates Her Own Version
The journey to the production began in March 2025, when Ballet Manila performed Paquita’s grand divertissement during its Pearl Gala celebration. That excerpt sparked Macuja Elizalde’s curiosity to revisit the full story and develop a complete two-act version for Filipino audiences.
While honoring the ballet’s classical roots, Macuja Elizalde intentionally avoided watching existing versions so she could create her own choreography. She shared that the ballet first formed “chapter by chapter” in her head before coming to life in the studio with the dancers.
Principal Dancers Lead the Historic Production
The production features Ballet Manila’s 40-member ensemble, which Macuja Elizalde said is well-suited to the intricate and challenging choreography. Two pairs will alternate in the lead roles: principal dancers Joshua Enciso and Abigail Oliveiro, and soloists Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes.
For Oliveiro, taking on the role of Paquita has been both rewarding and creatively refreshing. She shared that the role allowed her to tap into a more playful side of her artistry, something she does not always get to explore in her usual repertoire.
When and Where to Watch Paquita
Paquita will be staged at Aliw Theater in Pasay City on the following dates:
June 19, 2026 | 8:00 p.m.
June 20, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
June 21, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are available through TicketWorld, which lists the same June 19 to 21 performance dates at Aliw Theater.
For longtime ballet fans and first-time viewers, Ballet Manila’s Paquita offers a rare chance to watch a full-length classical production that blends technical brilliance with a story made for audiences who love romance, drama, and a joyful ending.
