Teatro Pinas | Mariinsky Ballet superstars Kimin Kim and Renata Shakirova lead Ballet Manila’s Don Quixote in a historic Philippine debut

Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year Performance Season reaches a spectacular finale with the highly anticipated production of Don Quixote, featuring Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Kimin Kim and Renata Shakirova. Taking on the role of Basilio, this marks Kim’s first ever performance in the Philippines.  Following her triumphant performance in Ballet Manila’s “Giselle” last year, Shakirova returns to perform the role of Kitri.

Kim is the first foreign male principal dancer in Mariinsky Ballet’s illustrious history, a groundbreaking achievement in the Russian ballet world. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he was introduced to ballet at the age of 10 when his mother, a composer, encouraged him to pursue the art. He trained under former Mariinsky soloists Margarita Kullik and Vladimir Kim at the Korea National University of Arts, refining his technique in the Vaganova method. His exceptional talent quickly gained international recognition, earning him top honors in prestigious ballet competitions, including Moscow, Varna, and Jackson.

In 2011, Kim was invited to audition for the Mariinsky Ballet, where he initially struggled with cultural and language barriers but persevered through rigorous training. His debut role as Ali in Le Corsaire showcased his impeccable turns, soaring jumps, and elegant stage presence, earning him rapid promotions within the company and eventually becoming the company’s first foreign male principal dancer in 2015.

Joining him in Don Quixote is Renata Shakirova a mentor-sibling of Lisa Macuja under Tatiana Udalenkova, and is a principal dancer of Mariinsky Ballet who is known for her grace, strength, and compelling storytelling. Kitri is one of her signature roles, as she made her first principal role debut in Don Quixote in 2015. 

She captivated Manila audiences last year as Giselle, showcasing her ability to blend effortless elegance with emotional depth. Now, in Don Quixote, Shakirova brings her vivacious energy and impeccable technique to the role of Kitri, promising to deliver a dynamic portrayal alongside Kim’s spirited Basilio.

Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director, expressed her excitement about this landmark performance. "Having Kimin Kim and Renata Shakirova perform Don Quixote on our stage is a dream come true. Their artistry, strength, and star power will make this production truly unforgettable. We are honored to bring world-class ballet to Filipino audiences and celebrate our 30th anniversary with these incredible dancers." said Lisa.

The production, staged at Aliw Theater in Pasay City, will run on August 22, 2025 at 8:00 p.m., and August 23 and 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., serving as the grand conclusion to Ballet Manila’s 30th-anniversary celebration, highlighting the company’s commitment to bringing world-class ballet performances to Filipino audiences.

Tickets for Don Quixote will be available soon at www.ticketworld.com.ph.To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph