Ballet Manila is bringing to the country world-renowned ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev for a once in a lifetime ‘Giselle’ performance scheduled at the Aliw Theater on August 31 and September 1, 2024.
Shakirova and Timofeyev are from the Russian ballet company Mariinsky Ballet, one of the leading dance companies in the world, where Ballet Manila artistic director and chief executive officer Lisa Macuja Elizalde became the first foreign soloist in the mid-80s.
Mariinsky Ballet superstars Alexei Timofeyev and Renata Shakirova with Ballet Manila artistic director and chief executive officer Lisa Macuja Elizalde (middle).
“I think that Renata’s true romantic style of dancing and the fact that she is dancing with her real-life prince Alexei is going to transform Ballet Manila’s Giselle to a Giselle of another level,” Elizalde said.
Uzbekistan-born Renata landed her first principal role as Kitri in Don Quixote in 2015, the same year she was listed as among the ’25 to Watch’ by Dance Magazine.
Her husband, Alexei, is currently the soloist of Mariinsky Ballet with various awards under his belt including prize-winner at the VII International Ballet Competition in Seoul in 2010; diploma-recipient at the XVI International Rudolf Nureyev Ballet Festival in 2010 where he was cited for his superb levels of professionalism and contribution to the development of ballet in the Republic of Bashkortostan; and diploma-recipient at the XI International Ballet Dancers’ and Choreographers’ Competition in Moscow in 2009.
“What’s important to be able to connect with the audience, wherever they are, but especially with a Filipino audience, is to highlight the small nuances that are included in the performance, like the turn of the head or the eye-to-eye contact with your partner, so that the emotions in the story can be conveyed and that the audience can enjoy the show,” said Renata who’s looking forward to performing for the first time on the Philippine stage.
“We are feeling the good kind of vibes with the Filipino audience, and we want them to live the story of Giselle with us on stage. It’s going to be our first time, and we hope to share that special experience with all of them,” Alexei echoed.
Renata and Alexei will take on the title roles for Giselle on August 31 at 8 PM and September 1 at 5 PM, while Ballet Manila’s principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo will play main characters on August 31 at 1 PM.
Tickets are available via www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
