A Historic Milestone: Lisa Macuja Elizalde Unveils Philippines’ First Full-Length ‘Paquita’

In a groundbreaking move for Philippine performing arts, Ballet Manila is set to make history by presenting the country’s first-ever full-length production of the classical ballet Paquita. Helmed by the legendary Lisa Macuja Elizalde, this world premiere is a testament to her commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical ballet in the Philippines.

The historic production will take place at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City, with a limited run starting on June 19 at 8:00 p.m., followed by 5:00 p.m. shows on June 20 and 21.

A Vision Born from Curiosity

The journey to this full-length production began in March 2025 during Ballet Manila’s Pearl Gala, where the Paquita divertissement was featured. The performance ignited a creative spark in Macuja Elizalde.

“I have always wondered where this beautiful ballet excerpt comes from in the context of the story,” she recalled. “The excerpt is always described as the culmination of the love story of a gypsy girl, Paquita, and a French officer, Lucien.”

Driven by a desire to bring this complete narrative to local audiences, Macuja Elizalde dove into extensive research. She read the original texts on rare Russian ballets and meticulously studied the music, eventually concluding that Paquita was the perfect, manageable two-act story to introduce to the Filipino stage.

A Unique Choreographic Interpretation

While the production honors the classical roots of the genre, Macuja Elizalde intentionally avoided watching existing versions of the ballet. This allowed her to craft an entirely original choreography.

“I started to build the ballet chapter by chapter in my head,” she shared. In a unique twist, she rearranged the music and famous variations, opting to weave them throughout the beginning and middle portions of the ballet, rather than concentrating them all in the final divertissement.

The result is a production that feels fresh, uniquely “Ballet Manila,” and perfectly suited to the technical prowess of the company’s 40-member ensemble, which remains anchored in the Russian Vaganova foundation.

Stellar Leads and Emotional Depth

Paquita is a timeless story of love, self-discovery, and overcoming rigid social barriers—a narrative theme that resonates deeply with Filipino audiences.

The production features alternating casts for the lead roles:

Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Oliveiro
Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes

For principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro, the process has been both challenging and liberating. “I realized I had to tap into my more playful side, which is not a common theme in my repertoire,” Oliveiro noted. She credits Macuja Elizalde’s clear vision and collaborative spirit for helping her step into the role of the spirited Romani heroine.

A Legacy in the Making

For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Paquita represents more than just another show; it is a vital part of her 40-year legacy in Philippine dance.

“When you create a new full-length ballet almost from scratch, it is like giving birth to a living, breathing creation,” she reflected. By bringing this masterpiece to life, Macuja Elizalde hopes to continue igniting a passion for classical ballet across the nation.