Jakarta Enchanted By Liza Macuja-Elizalde’s Adaptation Of "Cinderella"

JAKARTA - Philippines’ prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has concluded its grandest version of ‘Cinderella’ production in this city, enchanting audiences with the adaptation of the classical ballet.

“I’m specially proud of Cinderella because it’s our 9th year of performing Cinderella.. I think this version is the grandest so far, with 70 Indonesian dancers with 35 dancers from ballet Manila,” Macuja-Elizalde, Cinderella’s Artistic Director, said in an interview with The Filipino Correspondent Network TFCN.

The production is a collaboration between Ballet Manila and Jakarta's Etoile Dance Center. Seventy dancers from Indonesia joined the thirty-five Ballet Manila dancers to complete the casting.

Manila’s ballet dancers Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Oliveiro performed as the Prince and Cinderella.

According to Archangela Lina Lukman, Executive Director of Cinderella Jakarta and Founder of Etoile Dance Center, the ballet dancers from Indonesia are deeply honored to be working with Lisa Macuja.

When asked for words of encouragement for young ballet dancers, Macuja said "Ballet dancing is hard. If you really want it, if you really love it then you will be willing to make sacrifices necessary to be able to achieve that goal: whether to compete in a competition or perform in a grand production. There's a lot of sacrifices involved". She added that for aspiring ballet dancers, it is important to find the best school or the best training possible or the best mentor. She also emphasized hard work and commitment.

Cinderella wrapped up its successful two-day run in the capital on November 15 and 16, 2025.