A staple of the classical ballet repertoire rarely seen in its entirety, Paquita‘s full-length staging marks a milestone for Ballet Manila as it continues to bring major classical works to local audiences.
Ballet Manila will present the Philippines’ first full-length production of Paquita at the Aliw Theater from June 19 to 21, 2026. Choreographed by founder and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the production brings one of ballet’s enduring stories of romance, identity, and triumph to the local stage.
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About Ballet Manila’s Paquita
Though audiences may recognize Paquita from its famous grand divertissement, full-length productions of the ballet remain uncommon. Set in Spain, the story follows a young Romani woman who saves a French officer from an assassination plot before discovering her own noble heritage—an unexpected revelation that allows the pair to overcome the social barriers standing between them.
The production grew out of Ballet Manila’s 2025 Pearl Gala celebration, where an excerpt from the ballet sparked Macuja Elizalde’s curiosity about the work’s full narrative. Rather than studying existing productions, she chose to create her own interpretation, building the choreography specifically for Ballet Manila’s dancers.
The Performers Behind The Production
Leading the production are principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Joshua Enciso, alongside soloists Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes, who alternate in the roles of Paquita and Lucien. Supported by Ballet Manila’s 40-member ensemble, the production combines the technical demands of classical ballet with a story filled with romance, comedy, and dramatic twists.
For Macuja Elizalde, that narrative is part of the ballet’s appeal. Describing it as “quite like a soap opera,” she believes Filipino audiences will connect with its entertaining turns and ultimately uplifting conclusion. For longtime ballet enthusiasts, this fresh new staging of Paquita offers the chance to see a rarely staged classic; for newcomers, it serves as an accessible introduction to narrative ballet through a story that’s equal parts engaging and technically impressive.
Paquita runs at the Aliw Theater from June 19 to 21, 2026. Tickets are available through TicketWorld. For more information, visit Ballet Manila’s official website.
Photo courtesy of Ballet Manila
Frequently Asked Questions
Ballet Manila’s Paquita is the Philippines’ first full-length staging of the classical ballet, presented at Aliw Theater from June 19–21, 2026. Its significance lies in bringing a rarely performed full-length work — typically seen only in excerpt form — to local audiences for the first time.
The production was choreographed by Ballet Manila founder and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, who developed an original interpretation rather than staging an existing version. Her approach was inspired by an excerpt presented at the company’s 2025 Pearl Gala, which sparked interest in the ballet’s complete narrative.
Principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Joshua Enciso lead the production, alternating with soloists Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes in the roles of Paquita and Lucien. The full production is supported by Ballet Manila’s 40-member ensemble.
Set in Spain, Paquita follows a young Romani woman who rescues a French officer from an assassination attempt, only to discover her own noble origins — a revelation that removes the social barriers between them. The narrative blends romance, comedy, and dramatic twists within the classical ballet tradition.
Tickets for Ballet Manila’s Paquita, running June 19–21, 2026 at Aliw Theater, are available through TicketWorld at premier.ticketworld.com.ph. Additional information can be found on Ballet Manila’s official website at balletmanila.com.ph.
