On Stage: From the Pirates’ Dance to the Naila Waltz

Le Corsaire is one of the rare classical ballets where many principal roles are available for male and female dancers to highlight their technique and artistry. For the men, there is Conrad, the lead character referred to by the title; Ali, his faithful servant; Lankadem, the slave trader; Birbanto, the traitor; and the Pasha, the wealthy slave owner. For women, there is Medora, Conrad’s love interest; Gulnara, a slave who falls in love with her owner; Birbanto’s mistress who partners him in most of his scenes; and the three Odalisques – slaves the Pasha buys from Lankadem.

But the opportunities for dancers do not stop there. Indeed, Le Corsaire is one ballet that requires a strong corps de ballet – both male and female. The choreography includes several major group dances that can break a weaker company. But in the hands of a capable one, the result is mesmerizing.

In this clip, Ballet Manila’s corps de ballet takes centerstage with the performance of Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Le Corsaire with an excerpt of the Pirates’ Dance in Act 2 for the men, and the Naila Waltz in Act 3 for the women.