Two of the world's most celebrated ballet dancers are returning to Manila to headline a three-day run of the timeless classic La Bayadère at the Aliw Theater from Aug. 14 to 16. Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, both principal dancers with the renowned Mariinsky Ballet — one of the world's oldest and most prestigious ballet companies, based in St. Petersburg, Russia — will lead the performances.

Ballet Manila artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde told an Aug. 12 press conference that bringing back the two dancers was an easy decision following their acclaimed guest appearance in Don Quixote last year. She noted that their "unforgettable performances generated an overwhelming response from Filipino audiences."

The connection between Ballet Manila and the Mariinsky runs deep: Ms. Macuja-Elizalde herself made history as the first foreign principal dancer of the Kirov Ballet, the company's name during the Soviet era before it reclaimed the Mariinsky designation.

"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," said Ms. Macuja-Elizalde.

Having performed La Bayadère herself during her career, she said it has been enjoyable to watch today's Mariinsky stars bring their own interpretation to the production.

La Bayadère is among the most celebrated masterpieces in classical ballet. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and premiered in 1877 at the Mariinsky's predecessor company, it has been a cornerstone of the Russian imperial and Soviet ballet repertoire ever since. Set in ancient India, the narrative follows the tragic romance between the temple dancer Nikiya (the bayadère) and the warrior Solor. The High Brahmin, also in love with Nikiya, discovers her relationship with Solor and urges the Rajah to have him killed — a scheme that backfires when the Rajah instead orders Nikiya's death. The melodramatic love triangle spans both the mortal world and the afterlife.

Ms. Macuja-Elizalde described the ballet as "dramatic and exciting," making it an ideal introduction for first-time ballet audiences.

"What's so great about La Bayadère is it has the dramatic mime of the characters and also big classical technique and form in the Kingdom of the Shades scene," she said.

She added that it is "one of the most complete and beautiful ballets" ever made. "I feel it has a little bit of an edge over Swan Lake because of the drama."

The Returning Stars

For Mr. Kim, performing La Bayadère with Ballet Manila offers another opportunity to share the stage with an exceptional partner. He and Ms. Shakirova are also in a relationship offstage.

"We've danced together for 15 years," he said. "I'm really lucky because dancing with her is really easy. I just need to focus on her eyes because her eyes say everything. Standing close to her, my body just moves smoothly, organically. Musicality, technique, emotion — she has everything."

Ms. Shakirova echoed the sentiment, saying they "move like one body" despite the nuances in each performance.

"Kimin always gives so much to the dance form, so much drama to all the mime scenes, so much of himself onstage. You'll see in La Bayadère [that] every moment is magnified because he gives so much to me," she said.

She also praised Ballet Manila's corps de ballet, noting their continued improvement: "It is already my third year working with them. Everybody works so hard and correctly with their bodies. Every year, the love for dancing blossoms more and more."

Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Ms. Shakirova joined the Mariinsky Ballet upon her graduation in 2015. In 2025, she received the prestigious Benois de la Danse award, widely regarded as the "Ballet Oscar."

Seoul-born Mr. Kim has been a Mariinsky Ballet soloist since 2012 and was promoted to principal dancer in 2015. He holds the distinction of being the first foreign male principal dancer in the company's history.

When Ms. Macuja-Elizalde invited them back to Manila, Mr. Kim accepted immediately.

"There's always some really pure, positive energy going on here, and I really appreciate it," he said. "Right away I said okay when the invitation came!"

La Bayadère, starring Mariinsky Ballet principals Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, will have three performances: Aug. 14 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 15 and 16 at 5 p.m., at the Aliw Theater next to Star City in the CCP Complex, Pasay City. Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

— Brontë H. Lacsamana