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Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim in Ballet Manila's 'Don Quixote.' 

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<p>MANILA -- Rain or shine, ballet fans flocked to Aliw Theatre to see what Ballet Manila’s “Don Quixote” had to offer. Unfazed by the threat of floods, the theater was filled to the brim with an audience eager to see Mariinsky superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim perform the principal roles. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:760px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17559533692351.Renata Shakirova with Kimin Kim.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim in Ballet Manila&#x27;s &#x27;Don Quixote.&#x27; <em>Erica Marquez-Jacinto</em></span></span></span>Thankfully for all who attended, the pair did not disappoint, delivering one of the most electrifying ballet performances ever witnessed in Manila. They sent shockwaves through the theatre, bringing the entire audience to its feet in thunderous applause. </div><p>A solid standing ovation and two full curtain calls solidified the show’s success.</p><div> </div><div><strong>A natural choice</strong></div><p>Based on Cervantes&#x27; novel, “Don Quixote” is a lighthearted comedy that revolves around Kitri and Basilio, two young lovers escaping Kitri’s father&#x27;s matchmaking attempts. At its heart stands the eccentric Don Quixote, the pivotal dreamer who unwittingly paves the way for their union. </p><p>For Ballet Manila (BM), this ballet is more than a fun classic — it is a legacy. Artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde performed Kitri in Russia as the first Asian to be first soloist of the Kirov Ballet (now the Mariinsky Ballet). This role quickly became her signature. It was only natural that Don Quixote became a cornerstone of her company’s repertoire, staged in the very tradition she absorbed in Russia. </p><p>Coincidentally, the role of Kitri is also close to Shakirova’s heart, as it was her first principal role at the Mariinsky. As destiny would have it, Kimin Kim was her partner when she debuted nine years ago. Kimin was the first Asian male principal of the Mariinsky, sharing something in common with Macuja-Elizalde. </p><p>Their stories converge like threads destined to meet, making this collaboration with BM not only natural but inevitable. However, with a background like that, expectations for the evening were sky-high.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Guest stars of the Mariinsky</strong></div><p>Shakirova’s Kitri was gloriously over the top. Every bit a star, she disrupted the calm in every scene with her palpable energy. Whether in a simple running entrance or a soaring grand jeté, she immediately made her presence felt, flashing a smile that would win the hearts of her ensemble and the watchful audience. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:760px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17559535147342. Renata Shakirova as Kitri.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Renata Shakirova as Kitri in Ballet Manila&#x27;s &#x27;Don Quixote.&#x27; <em>Erica Marquez-Jacinto</em></span></span></span>As Kitri, she portrayed a woman who is brazen, self-assured, and knows what she wants. Conveying a story without words is a difficult task, but Shakirova&#x27;s magic lies in her remarkable storytelling. It felt as if I could hear her speak, as her mimes and expressive facial gestures were clear as day. A natural comic, she communicated specific dialogue almost line by line through dance, making it impossible for the audience not to understand her. She offered meaningful second glances and raised eyebrows.</div><p>Not afraid to break away from the pretty stereotype, she went to great lengths to elicit laughter from the audience. Her maturity was evident not only in her artistry but also in her impeccable technique. In her first solo of the evening, she quickly established her competence by executing a triple turn, causing the balletomanes to gasp — and gasp again as she repeated it. She leapt with her skirt flying, reaching a perfectly extended sissonne (split jump) while looking exceptionally at ease.</p><p>In Act 2&#x27;s dream scene, people waited to see if her bravura could be tempered to show the lyricism required. She performed a rare Dulcinea solo, the Dudiskaya variation popularized by a Russian dancer who premiered it. I consider it a rare treat to have seen it. This variation requires highly technical turn combinations, from pirouettes to fouettés (imagine turning clockwise then counterclockwise multiple times while traveling forward). </p><div>She also showcased beautifully gravity-defying grand jetés (split jumps), where the challenge lies in executing intricate steps in a dreamlike manner, which she did effortlessly. In the final grand pas de deux, she demonstrated her technical prowess with furiously quick fouettés (whipped turns, a measure of a dancer&#x27;s skill) that were as vibrant as her personality. Instead of basic single turns, she made it even more exciting by altering her hand positions, using her fan, and adding a double, then a triple, finishing with at least eight doubles. The crowd literally went mad.<span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:760px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17559536143743. Kimin Kim as Basilio .jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Kimin Kim as Basilio in Ballet Manila&#x27;s &#x27;Don Quixote.&#x27; <em>Erica Marquez-Jacinto</em></span></span></span>Kimin Kim exemplified why he was a renowned dancer. As an artist, he had the opposite temperament of Shakirova; he was cool and almost nonchalant, yet their chemistry made it work. In this ballet, the principal pair made each other jealous several times.</div><p>Kim was not the typical cocky, flirtatious Basilio but rather a confident K-drama chaebol who didn’t crumble at the sight of a mad woman. He responded to Shakirova’s banter with boy-next-door giggles. To the men, he retorted not with anger but with even more confident smiles, taunting them with disbelief and finding the situation amusing. The contrast of ice and fire played out brilliantly.</p><p>Not to be outdone by Shakirova, he also created a moment. Time seemed to stand still as Kimin executed a top-quality triple tour (nobody performs triple tours in the Philippines) before landing on his knees and into a deep backbend. The theater erupted in cheers. He also showcased his skill with effortless quadruple pirouettes. In the last act, he executed a series spagat ( jump splits) to consecutive barrel turns (another difficult jump) all in one breath. The quality of his jumps truly defined his stature.</p><p>Together, the pair was unstoppable. Their long partnership played a significant role, as there were no missteps in partnering. Lifts, turns, and an array of tricks kept the audience entertained. Their obvious familiarity with the material made it feel as if they were in a carefree playground, with not a worry in the world.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Ballet Manila’s own stars</strong></div><p>While the Mariinsky couple really stole the show, there were bright moments from our local stars. BM’s roster of principal dancers delivered with panache.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:760px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17559537086174. Shaira Comeros as Cupid.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Shaira Comeros as Cupid in Ballet Manila&#x27;s &#x27;Don Quixote.&#x27; <em>Erica Marquez-Jacinto</em></span></span></span>Shaira Comeros was a delightful Cupid, articulate in every step and radiant in her expression. Abigail Oliveiro impressed with her artistry, matching Shakirova&#x27;s acting chops. Her luscious backbends were picturesque.</div><div>Macuja-Elizalde’s Fandango quartet performed by Pia Dames, Pearl Dames, Benedict Sabularse, and Raphael Perez was well applauded. The sight of twins performing together is a novel idea, and the fact that they were paired with boys of the same height, stature, and ability was intriguing. The performance was both technical and flamboyant.<span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:760px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17559537742985. Fandango .jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Fandango quartet in Ballet Manila&#x27;s &#x27;Don Quixote.&#x27; <em>Erica Marquez-Jacinto</em></span></span></span>When everything is beautiful at the ballet, imperfections can stand out. With the guests and principals showcasing their A-game, the crowd seemed unimpressed with Kitri and Basilio. Choreographed reactions are great, but they need to be sustained in between moments to show support for the leads. Some transitions might have benefited from greater fluidity. </div><p>A lackluster fiesta in front of the curtain really brought down the energy of the ballet — flat and irrelevant. While I appreciated Stephanie Santiago and Shamira Drapete for their beautiful dancing, I found their interaction with the leads to be minimal. They could have been more interactive and expressive in their acting to contribute more to the story, especially with the principals so invested. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>A triumphant close </strong></div><p>Collectively, the company held its own, showcasing the strength that affirms Ballet Manila’s stature as a world-class ensemble.</p><p>With their triumphant closing comes the challenge to keep reaching for that same level, proving season after season that dancing with the best will make you the best. </p>

<p>Mariinsky stars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim’s electrifying chemistry brought the house down with standing ovations and curtain calls, marking one of Manila’s most unforgettable ballet nights.</p>

Mariinsky stars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim’s electrifying chemistry brought the house down with standing ovations and curtain calls, marking one of Manila’s most unforgettable ballet nights.

Review: Shakirova and Kim electrify Manila in ‘Don Quixote’

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Review: Shakirova and Kim electrify Manila in ‘Don Quixote’

ABS-CBN Lifestyle,

Erica Marquez-Jacinto

Published Aug 23, 2025 09:08 PM PHT

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Ballet Manila

review

Don Quixote

Mariinsky Ballet

Renata Shakirova

Kimin Kim

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