A glimpse into Ballet Manila's 'Paquita'
By Poch Eulalia
When we look into the way each dancer moves, we find ourselves brought to their world.
In this world, we follow the story of Paquita, a gypsy dancer from Spain. It is a time of great uncertainty, as France’s Napoleon Bonaparte has a strong hold on the country. On one fateful night, Paquita finds herself falling for a French officer whom she saves from an assassination plot. Little does she know, there’s more to her life than just being a gypsy dancer.
PERFECT FORM Dancers move with utmost grace and tranquility
When we look into the way each dancer moves, we find ourselves brought to their world.
In this world, we follow the story of Paquita, a gypsy dancer from Spain. It is a time of great uncertainty, as France’s Napoleon Bonaparte has a strong hold on the country. On one fateful night, Paquita finds herself falling for a French officer whom she saves from an assassination plot. Little does she know, there’s more to her life than just being a gypsy dancer.
“I read the lengthy text in a book about rare Russian ballets that included Paquita,” shares Lisa. “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.”
READY TO SHINE (From left) Ballet Manila principal dancers Romeo Peralta and Mark Sumaylo, soloist Shamira Drapete, Ballet Manila CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, soloist Jos David Andes, principal dancer Abigail
From the preview presented to us at Aliw Theater, we were shown just how stunning bits of the show can be. Dancers move with such hypnotic grace that your eyes are drawn to their every movement.
Even if it’s their first time going for the full-length performance of “Paquita,” you feel as if they’ve known the routine their entire life. We’re sure it’s enough to keep even Timothée Chalamet enticed and not wanting to leave his seat.
“Paquita” runs at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on June 19 at 8 p.m., followed by 5 p.m. shows on June 20 and 21.
