How Long Is Paquita Ballet?

Ballet

Paquita Ballet is a classical ballet created by the French choreographer Joseph Mazilier in 1846. It is based on the Spanish folk tale of Paquita and her lover, made famous by the novel La Dame aux Camelias by Alexandre Dumas. The ballet has become one of the most beloved works of classical ballet repertoire.

The original version of Paquita was performed with a full corps de ballet and featured elaborate sets and costumes, with each scene having its own unique look and feel. Mazilier used his signature style of choreography, which included a combination of mime, pantomime, and acrobatics. The music for the ballet was composed by Édouard Deldevez and was performed by the Paris Opéra Orchestra.

Paquita is divided into three acts which tell the story of Paquita’s love affair with her lover. In the first act, Paquita meets her lover at a ball and they share their love for one another through beautiful pas de deuxs (dance duets).

In the second act, Paquita’s father discovers their relationship and forbids them from seeing each other again, leading to a dramatic climax as Paquita escapes with her lover to be together forever. The third act portrays their life in exile as they fight for their love against all odds.

The entire length of Paquita Ballet varies depending on how it is staged and performed but typically it lasts between two to two-and-a-half hours long. To create an even more spectacular performance some companies add additional dances to fill out the program such as Don Quixote or Le Corsaire Pas de Deuxs which can add up to 30 minutes or more to its running time.

Conclusion:

Paquita Ballet is a beloved work of classical ballet repertoire that tells the story of Paquita’s forbidden love affair with her lover through mime, pantomime, acrobatics and beautiful pas de deuxs (dance duets). Depending on how it is staged and performed its length usually ranges between two to two-and-a-half hours long but can be extended up to three hours if additional dances are added in order to create an even more spectacular performance.