Mariinsky Ballet Stars Renata Shakirova, Kimin Kim Return to Ballet Manila for ‘La Bayadère’
Ballet Manila has announced the return of Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, who will star in La Bayadère at the Aliw Theater on August 14 at 8 PM and August 15 and 16 at 5 PM.
The engagement marks the pair’s return to the Philippines following their performances in Ballet Manila’s Don Quixote last year.
“We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila,” said Ballet Manila founder and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde.
“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.”
Shakirova received the 2025 Benois de la Danse Award, often referred to as the “Ballet Oscar.” A native of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, she is known for her musicality, dramatic depth, and commanding stage presence, and has established herself as one of the Mariinsky Ballet’s top prima ballerinas.
Kim began ballet at the age of 10 and went on to become the first foreign male principal dancer in the Mariinsky Ballet’s history. He is internationally recognized for his athleticism and technical precision. Together, Kim and Shakirova won the Russia-Kultura TV Grand Ballet competition in 2016.
The two dancers are also well acquainted with La Bayadère. At the Mariinsky Theatre, Kim regularly performs the role of Solor, while Shakirova has appeared as both Nikiya and Gamzatti.
Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, La Bayadère is set in ancient India and follows the tragic love story of the temple dancer Nikiya and the warrior Solor. When the High Brahmin, who is also in love with Nikiya, discovers their relationship, he asks the Rajah to kill Solor. Instead, the Rajah orders Nikiya’s death, setting in motion a story that spans both the mortal world and the afterlife.
“Renata and Kim’s extensive experience with La Bayadère promises Filipino 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,” Macuja Elizalde said.
Comments