Ballet Manila is bringing Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim back to the Philippines this August for La Bayadère at the Aliw Theater. The internationally acclaimed ballet artists will perform on August 14 at 8 PM, and on August 15 and 16 at 5 PM, giving Filipino audiences another opportunity to experience their world-renowned artistry, passion, and technical brilliance.
The return of Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim reinforces Ballet Manila’s long-standing mission of bringing world-class ballet performances closer to Filipino audiences. Their appearance also gives local theatergoers a rare opportunity to witness two internationally celebrated principal dancers of the Mariinsky Ballet perform in the country.
Ballet Manila Welcomes Back Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim
“We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila,” exclaimed Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s founder and artistic director.
She recalled with pride the successful run of Don Quixote last year, which starred the celebrated pair.
“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.”
The successful return of Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim reflects Ballet Manila’s continued commitment to presenting internationally recognized ballet artists for audiences in the Philippines. Their performances offer local ballet enthusiasts another chance to witness the artistry, discipline, and technical excellence that have earned both dancers worldwide recognition.
Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim Bring World-Class Ballet Excellence
Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim bring exceptional credentials to Ballet Manila’s production of La Bayadère.
Shakirova, whose extraordinary talent was recognized early in her career, is already a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Benois de la Danse award, touted as the “Ballet Oscar.” The Tashkent, Uzbekistan native is highly regarded for her musicality, dramatic depth, and commanding stage presence, establishing herself as one of the Mariinsky Ballet’s leading prima ballerinas.
Kimin Kim, on the other hand, began ballet relatively late at around 10 years old but went on to make history as the first foreign male principal dancer in the Mariinsky Ballet’s history. He is widely recognized for his remarkable athleticism and precise technique, making him one of today’s most admired male ballet performers.
Together, Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim have also earned acclaim as a performing partnership, winning the Russia-Kultura TV’s Grand Ballet competition in 2016. Their impressive achievements continue to make them among the most celebrated ballet artists performing on the international stage.
Ballet Manila’s La Bayadère Returns to the Aliw Theater
Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim are no strangers to La Bayadère, one of ballet’s celebrated masterpieces.
Set in ancient India, the ballet follows the tragic love story of the temple dancer (bayadère) Nikiya and the warrior Solor. The High Brahmin (high priest), who is also in love with Nikiya, discovers her relationship with Solor and asks the Rajah to kill Solor. However, his plan backfires when the Rajah instead orders Nikiya to be killed. The classic melodramatic love triangle unfolds across both the mortal world and the afterlife.
At the Mariinsky Theatre, Kim regularly performs the role of the noble warrior Solor, while Shakirova has portrayed both Nikiya and the regal Gamzatti. Her ability to perform both roles highlights the versatility that has earned her international acclaim.
“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,” concluded Lisa Macuja Elizalde.
Ballet Manila’s presentation of La Bayadère gives Filipino audiences another opportunity to experience one of ballet’s enduring masterpieces performed by internationally acclaimed Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim. Their return to the Philippine stage continues Ballet Manila’s tradition of bringing world-class ballet performances to local audiences while celebrating the artistry and excellence that have made both dancers internationally recognized.
La Bayadère will be staged at the Aliw Theater on August 14 at 8 PM, and on August 15 and 16 at 5 PM.
Stay up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website at www.balletmanila.com.ph or the Ticketworld page at www.ticketworld.com.ph.
