PHILIPPINES – Performing a role repeatedly can either deepen a dancer’s mastery or dull their connection to the material. For international ballet stars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, it’s a challenge they meet with precision, passion, and a relentless pursuit of nuance.

Set to portray Kitri and Basilio in Don Quixote from August 22 to 24 at the Aliw Theater—the final offering of Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year season—Renata and Kimin return to roles they’ve danced countless times, but never the same way twice.

Both dancers are part of the world renowned Mariinsky Ballet where they have attained principal dancer status – a feat that signifies their years of experience and expertise in ballet, performing with technical precision and exceptional artistry. .

Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim

“I think that the role of Kitri is my most performed role in the classical ballet repertoire,” admits Renata. Yet despite this, she stresses that the key to keeping the character fresh is to forget how many times she’s performed it.

She adds, “I have to prepare for the performance like it’s my first time so that we are always paying attention and ready. For example, looking at each other as partners—it can become mechanical. But it is our responsibility to always look into the details and discover something new with every rehearsal or performance.”

Renata also acknowledges her partner Kimin’s ability to see the smallest nuances: “He has this trait of always looking at and paying attention to even the smallest of details, and I think that every performance consists of these small details.”

Kimin, a multi-award-winning principal dancer trained at the Mariinsky Theater, describes Basilio as “the color red that shimmers”—a bright, shining character that is thrilling to portray.

Even with his unique perspective on the role, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining the level of excellence instilled through his Mariinsky training: “I think schooling is still the most important. Without proper schooling, you cannot really show anything. There are the fouettés and the male jumps that show technique in the pas de deux. In the first act, you can also show a lot of acting that I learned from my teachers. I try to give the audience my inner self as well as the technique that is expected of me.”

Having danced with Renata previously in the same roles, Kimin still finds excitement in discovering something new about his partner. “It is always a pleasure to work with Renata. When we are dancing the same ballet a hundred times, there are also a hundred different versions of her dancing.”

He continues, “She is very emotional, and onstage she can show everything differently. As her partner, it is always so nice—I watch her with surprise, so I am never bored with her performance.”

 Mariinsky Ballet principal dancer Kimin Kim, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde and Mariinsky Ballet principal dancer Renata Shakirova

Now portraying Kitri and Basilio with Ballet Manila on a Philippine stage, both dancers are eager to show audiences what they’ve been preparing so diligently.

For Renata, who had a wonderful experience playing Giselle with Ballet Manila last year, her return as Kitri is most welcome. “The audience was so receptive and hospitable, and now that I am here with a different performance, I am so excited to show a different side of me. Giselle was a very dramatic and heavy ballet, and Don Quixote is very happy—with different requirements of coordination and style. As an artist, I want to show this other side of me.”

Meanwhile, for Kimin—performing in Manila for the first time—he hopes the audience will carry the emotions of the performance long after the curtain falls: “I always want the audience to feel a bright emotion after a performance—not only to clap and shout ‘bravo’ after the show, but to bring home that memory of Renata and Kimin. I think that can only happen if the performer gives the audience a message and a feeling. It is so important to me that the audience will like our performance.”

Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde

With the caliber and artistry of Renata and Kimin, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde exclaims, “I think it’s only fitting to close out our Pearl Year performance season with Renata and Kimin leading Ballet Manila’s Don Quixote. With their performance, we will once again reinforce our pursuit of bringing world-class performances to our audiences.”

Don’t miss the stellar performance from Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim as they portray the well-loved characters Kitri and Basilio in Ballet Manila’s Don Quixote on August 22 at 8 PM, and August 23 and 24 at 5 PM.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.

Sitting in the press conference for Ballet Manila’s Don Quixote Pearl Year finale show, I was practically excited soaking in every word from Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim. Their genuine enthusiasm for performing here in our country Philippines was infectious.

Renata’s eyes sparkled as she talked about connecting with the Filipino audience, and Kimin’s warm smile showed how much this moment meant to them. It hit me and I feel happy and said oohhhh how special it is to see such world-class stars so thrilled to share their art with us. I’m  so counting down the days to watch them light up the stage with their jaw-dropping talent and electric chemistry in this iconic ballet. Trust me guys, you don’t want to miss this vibrant celebration of Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary! 

Grab your tickets now and join me for an unforgettable night of dance.