History of Paquita in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 18, 2025

Paquita is a ballet originally choreographed by Joseph Mazilier with music by Édouard Deldevez and Ludwig Minkus. The libretto was credited to Paul Foucher who received royalties.

1902: Paquita production notated

Around 1902, Petipa's choreography for the Imperial Ballet's production of Paquita was notated using the Stepanov method while Petipa rehearsed Anna Pavlova for her début in the title role.

1926: Paquita leaves Mariinsky Theatre's repertoire

In 1926, Petipa's version of Paquita was removed from the Mariinsky Theatre's repertoire.

1952: Gusev stages Paquita grand pas classique

In 1952 Pyotr Gusev staged a version of the Paquita grand pas classique for the Maly Theatre Ballet.

1964: Nureyev stages Paquita for the Royal Academy of Dancing

In 1964, Rudolf Nureyev staged Paquita for the Royal Academy of Dancing.

1970: Nureyev stages Paquita at La Scala

In 1970, Rudolf Nureyev staged Paquita at La Scala.

1971: Nureyev stages Paquita for the Vienna State Opera Ballet and American Ballet Theatre

In 1971, Rudolf Nureyev staged Paquita for the Vienna State Opera Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, using John Lanchbery's adaptation of the music.

1974: Dolgushin produces Paquita grand pas classique

In 1974, Ballet Master Nikita Dolgushin produced a staging of the Paquita grand pas classique for the Maly Theatre Ballet of St. Petersburg with the assistance of Elizaveta Gerdt.

1978: Vinogradov stages new version of Paquita grand pas classique

In 1978, Oleg Vinogradov staged a new version of the Paquita grand pas classique for the Kirov/Mariinsky Ballet, largely based on Pyotr Gusev's 1952 version.

1984: Makarova stages Paquita grand pas classique

In 1984, Natalia Makarova staged a new version of the Paquita grand pas classique for American Ballet Theatre, with music arranged by Lanchbery.

2001: Paris Opera Ballet revival

In 2001, director Brigitte Lefèvre asked French choreographer Pierre Lacotte to produce a revival of the full-length two act Paquita for the Paris Opera Ballet, restoring Mazilier's original mime sequences and Petipa's 1881 additions.