#TheaterPH - Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim Light Up Manila in Ballet Manila’s Don Quixote Finale
There’s something magical about watching seasoned artists breathe new life into familiar roles. This August, Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year season closes with a fiery flourish as international ballet stars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim take center stage in Don Quixote—and they’re bringing more than just technique to the Aliw Theater.
From August 22 to 24, audiences will witness Renata and Kimin as Kitri and Basilio, characters they’ve danced countless times across the globe. But for these two principal dancers from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, repetition doesn’t mean routine—it means refinement. Each performance is a fresh canvas, and they paint it with emotion, precision, and a deep respect for the art.
Renata, known for her expressive style and technical brilliance, shares that Kitri is her most performed role. Yet she approaches each show as if it were her first. “It’s about staying present,” she says. “Even the way we look at each other on stage—it can become mechanical. But we owe it to the audience to find something new every time.”
Kimin, equally meticulous and passionate, describes Basilio as “the color red that shimmers”—a role that demands both flair and finesse. His training at the Mariinsky Theater shines through in every leap and turn, but it’s his emotional connection to the character that truly captivates. “Technique is important,” he says, “but I also want to give the audience my inner self.”
Their chemistry is undeniable. Having danced together in these roles before, they continue to surprise each other. “Renata is very emotional,” Kimin shares. “She changes every time we perform. I never get bored watching her.”
For Renata, returning to Ballet Manila after her acclaimed performance as Giselle last year feels like coming home. “The audience was so warm and welcoming,” she recalls. “Now I get to show a different side of myself. Don Quixote is joyful and vibrant—it’s a whole new energy.”
Kimin, performing in Manila for the first time, hopes to leave a lasting impression. “I want the audience to carry the feeling with them,” he says. “Not just applause, but a memory that stays.”
Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde couldn’t be more thrilled. “Closing our Pearl Year with Renata and Kimin is a celebration of world-class artistry,” she says. “Their performance is a gift to our audiences.”
Catch this unforgettable production of Don Quixote at Aliw Theater, Pasay City:
- August 22 at 8 PM
- August 23 & 24 at 5 PM
Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more about Ballet Manila, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
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