On Stage: The grace of Gulnara

Of the many changes Lisa Macuja Elizalde made in her Le Corsaire, the character of Gulnara is among the most transformed. From a slave who merely accepts her destiny, she blossoms into a woman who fights for her love while giving the leads Conrad and Medora their happy ending as well.

Debuting as Gulnara in Ballet Manila’s 26th season-opener are principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames and Shaira Comeros. In this clip, Pearl performs the dramatic Gulnara Variation from Act 1 while Shaira takes on the solo in the Naila Waltz in Act 3.