World ballet stars to perform 'La Bayadère' in Manila
Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return to headline Ballet Manila's staging of the timeless ballet this August.
Text size
Share
Daily TribuneRenata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return to headline Ballet Manila's staging of the timeless ballet this August.
Share
The internationally acclaimed duo returns to Manila following last year's successful 'Don Quixote' performances.
ANeff
Filipino ballet fans will once again have the rare opportunity to watch two of the Mariinsky Ballet's leading artists perform live in Manila as principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return for Ballet Manila's staging of La Bayadère this August.
Following their acclaimed performances in Don Quixote last year, the internationally celebrated duo will headline the production at the Aliw Theater on 14 August at 8 p.m. and 15 and 16 August at 5 p.m.
Their return continues Ballet Manila's commitment to bringing world-class ballet to local audiences by presenting internationally renowned performers without Filipinos having to travel abroad.
Shakirova, one of the Mariinsky Ballet's leading prima ballerinas, has earned international recognition for her musicality, dramatic interpretation and commanding stage presence. In 2025, she received the prestigious Benois de la Danse, widely regarded as ballet's highest honor.
Kim, meanwhile, made history as the first foreign male principal dancer of the Mariinsky Ballet. Known for his athleticism and refined technique, he has become one of the company's most sought-after leading men. Together, Kim and Shakirova also won Russia-Kultura TV's Grand Ballet competition in 2016.
Their latest Manila engagement reunites them with one of the ballet world's most enduring classics. Set in ancient India, La Bayadère tells the story of temple dancer Nikiya and the warrior Solor, whose love is torn apart by jealousy, betrayal and fate before unfolding across both the earthly and spiritual realms.
The production is especially significant because both artists have extensive experience performing the ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre. Kim is a regular interpreter of Solor, while Shakirova has performed both Nikiya and the rival princess Gamzatti, giving audiences the chance to watch artists who have mastered these iconic roles on one of ballet's most prestigious stages.
"We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila," said Ballet Manila founder and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde. She recalled the warm reception they received during last year's Don Quixote and expressed confidence that audiences would once again embrace the pair.
Macuja Elizalde said the dancers' deep familiarity with La Bayadère promises an interpretation that remains faithful to Marius Petipa's classic, while offering Filipino audiences another opportunity to experience ballet at the highest international level.
