Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return to the Philippines to lead Ballet Manila’s staging of “La Bayadère” this August 2026.
One of classical ballet’s enduring masterpieces returns to the Philippine stage this August as Ballet Manila presents La Bayadère at Aliw Theater. The production will feature the return of Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, following their acclaimed performances in Don Quixote with the company last year. Staged on August 14, 15, and 16, La Bayadère tells the tragic love story of temple dancer Nikiya and the warrior Solor, unfolding across the mortal world and the afterlife. Their return also continues Ballet Manila’s mission of bringing internationally celebrated ballet artists closer to Filipino audiences.
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About The Ballet Production
Set in ancient India, La Bayadère follows the tragic love story of the temple dancer Nikiya and the warrior Solor. Widely regarded as one of classical ballet’s enduring masterpieces, the production continues to captivate audiences with its dramatic storytelling and technically demanding choreography.
“We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila,” says founder and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde, recalling the pair’s acclaimed performances in Don Quixote last year. Shakirova, the recipient of the 2025 Benois de la Danse award, and Kim, the first foreign male principal dancer in the Mariinsky Ballet’s history, also won the Russia-Kultura TV Grand Ballet competition in 2016.
“Renata and Kim’s extensive experience with La Bayadère promises Filipino audiences a moving and authentic interpretation of Marius Petipa’s enduring masterpiece,” says Macuja Elizalde. “We hope that by the end of the show, the audience will have a renewed love for ballet.”
Ballet Manila’s La Bayadere runs at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City, on August 14 at 8 p.m. and August 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
Frequently Asked Questions
La Bayadère is a classical ballet set in ancient India that tells the tragic love story of the temple dancer Nikiya and the warrior Solor. Created by Marius Petipa, it is regarded as one of the defining works of the classical ballet repertoire.
Ballet Manila will stage La Bayadère on August 14, 2026 at 8 p.m., and on August 15 and 16, 2026 at 5 p.m.
The production will be staged at Aliw Theater in Pasay City.
Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim will lead Ballet Manila’s production. The pair previously performed with the company in Don Quixote and are returning to Manila for this staging.
Tickets are available through TicketWorld. Visitors can also check Ballet Manila’s website for performance schedules and additional information.
