description Paquita Overview
Paquita, composed by Ludwig Minkus and orchestrated by Franz Berwald, is a vibrant Romantic ballet premiered in 1846, depicting the story of a Spanish princess seeking revenge against her betrayer through daring dance sequences and elaborate stage settings.
help Paquita FAQ
When was Paquita first performed and who choreographed it?
Paquita was originally choreographed by Joseph Mazilier and premiered at the Paris Opéra in 1844. Marius Petipa substantially revised it in 1881 for the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, adding new music by Ludwig Minkus.
What is the story of Paquita?
Set in Spain during the Napoleonic era, the ballet follows Paquita, a young woman who saves a French officer from assassination and ultimately discovers her noble birthright. The plot involves romance, political intrigue, and revelations of hidden identity.
What sections of Paquita are most commonly performed today?
The Grand Pas Classique and the Pas de Trois from Act III, both set to Minkus's 1881 additions, are the most frequently staged excerpts. These virtuosic set pieces are staples of international ballet galas and competitions.
Which companies perform the full-length Paquita?
Full-length productions are relatively rare, but the Grand Pas is performed by virtually every major classical company, including the Mariinsky and Bolshoi ballets. Pierre Lacotte created a reconstruction of the complete ballet for the Paris Opéra Ballet in 2001.
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