In the first scene Paso Doble (a bullfighting dance) is performed by 12 male dancers, and is filled with male strength, fresh to the audiences who are accustomed to female ballet performances. Actually, it is difficult for most ballet troupes to dance the ballet, with 12 male dancers with similar height and temperament, showing the accomplishment of the Opera National de Paris in ballet.

Introduction to “Paquita”

“Paquita” uses dance language and body language to narrate a love story situated in Spain

The story is set in Napoleonic Spain, in Zaragoza province. A gypsy girl named Paquita, makes a living as a dancer. She was actually originally from an aristocratic family. When she was young, she lost contact with her family in a murder; and was raised by gypsies, unaware of the truth. A French general’s son Lucien falls in love with her while she’s dancing. However, the Paquita cannot accept his love and is afraid that her love would shame him. Meanwhile a local officer Lopez wants to trap Lucien. Fortunately, the girl saves Lucien from the evil intrigue through her wisdom. At a ball, the Paquita discloses the officer’s guilt and she finally learns the bad guy was the murderer who also killed her father many years ago. In the end, the Paquita finds out the secret of her aristocratic descent, and is free to marry Lucien.

By  Feng Hui