Ballet Manila brings back global ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim in La Bayadère

“We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila. Their performances in Don Quixote were truly unforgettable, and the response from Filipino audiences was overwhelming. It was a delight to see our audiences embrace them so warmly, and I know many have been looking forward to seeing them perform here again. Renata and Kim’s extensive experience with La Bayadère promises Filipinos audiences a moving and authentic interpretation of Marius Petipa’s enduring masterpiece. We hope that by the end of the show, the audience will have a renewed love for ballet.” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s Founder and Artistic Director

Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return for Ballet Manila's La Bayadere

Filipino audiences will witness the remarkable and well-known artistry, passion, and technical mastery of two of the world's most famous ballet performers when they return to the Philippine stage.

The Mariinsky Ballet's principal dancers, Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, will return to Ballet Manila in August to revive the timeless classic La Bayadère. The performance will take place at the Aliw Theater on August 14 at 8 PM and August 15 and 16 at 5 PM.  

Significantly, their return advances Ballet Manila's long-standing objective of bringing excellent ballet closer to Filipino audiences by giving local theatergoers a rare chance to see internationally recognized performers in the country.

Kim and Shakirova's exceptional qualifications are advantageous to the production. One of the Mariinsky's best prima ballerinas, Shakirova is a native of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and is renowned for her musicality, dramatic depth, and commanding presence. Early on, her exceptional talent was identified, and she has already won the coveted 2025 Benois de la Danse award, also known as the "Ballet Oscar."

However, despite beginning ballet at a relatively late age—roughly ten years old—Kim became the first foreign male principal dancer in the history of the Mariinsky Ballet.  He is well known for his remarkable athleticism and accurate technique. As a duo, they are equally impressive, having won Russia-Kultura TV's Grand Ballet competition in 2016.

For the couple, La Bayadère, a well-known ballet masterpiece, is nothing new. The tragic romance between the warrior Solor and the temple dancer Nikiya (bayadère) is the main focus of the story, which is set in ancient India. The High Brahmin (high priest), who is also in love with Nikiya, asks the Rajah to kill Solor after discovering their relationship. But his plan is foiled when the Rajah chooses to murder Nikiya instead. Both this world and the afterlife are included in the classic melodramatic love triangle.

At the Mariinsky Theatre, Kim regularly portrays the noble warrior Solor, and Shakirova has portrayed both the Nikya and the regal Gamzatti, showcasing her versatility and garnering international acclaim.

Stay up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph.