Paquita
Ballet Manila presents world premier of classic story ballet By Earl D.C. Bracamonte Ballet Manila (BM) will formally present a full-length production of the classic “Paquita,” celebrating love and triumph in the world premiere of this highly emotional dance drama. BM’s journey to Paquita began with a divertissement during its Pearl Anniversary last year. A divertissement is a short ballet usually used as an interlude. “When I finally read it in full, I decided that it would be exciting and perfectly manageable to present a two-act classical ballet to Filipino audiences. “I started to build the ballet chapter by chapter in my head. But the actual creation did not happen until I was in the studio in front of the dancers. The company’s 40-member ensemble is the perfect size to handle the intricate and challenging choreography,” said the company’s chief executive officer. Set in Napoleon-conquered Spain, the story follows a young Romani woman, Paquita (Abigail Oliveiro), who saves th...
