Ballet Manila's Giselle to feature global superstars Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev

“The fact that we are collaborating with guest artists and star performers Renata Shakirova and Alexsei Timofeyev will always bring out the best in the company. 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. Ballet Manila Corps de Ballet is made up of more young members who have just joined the company post-pandemic - standing side by side with Ballet Manila dancers who are "veterans" and have performed the ballet many times before.” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer

Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev, world-renowned ballet superstars from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, will visit Manila for a rare Philippine performance of Ballet Manila's Giselle, which will take place at the Aliw Theater on August 31, 2024, at 8 p.m. and September 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. 

This much-awaited collaboration with the Russian superstars of ballet once again highlights Ballet Manila’s artistry and keen eye for excellence in every production, by working with world-class performers – this time for Giselle. This very special collaboration was made possible by Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, and her close ties with the Mariinsky Ballet (formerly Kirov Ballet) where she also trained and became the first foreign soloist in the mid-80s.  

With their star power, Macuja Elizalde couldn’t be more excited for their rendition of the well-loved Giselle. The world-renowned Russian dancers, incidentally, are married to each other in real life. 

Renata was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and joined Mariinsky Ballet, one of the world's leading dance companies, after graduating in 2015. She was immediately given her first principal role as Kitri in Don Quixote. That same year, Dance Magazine named her one of the 25 to Watch. In 2016, she won first place at the Bolshoi Ballet Competition. 

Alexei, who was born in Leningrad, joined Mariinsky Ballet in 2004 and is the dance company's soloist at the moment. As a soloist, he was recognized for his exceptional professionalism and leadership in the growth of ballet in the Republic of Bashkortostan. He was also named a prize winner at the VII International Ballet Competition in Seoul in 2010; in the XVI International Rudolf Nureyev Ballet Festival in 2010; and in the XI International Ballet Dancers’ and Choreographers’ Competition in Moscow in 2009.

While it is their first time to perform on the Philippine stage, Renata is looking forward to connecting  with the Filipino audience through her performance. 

“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.” ~Renata Shakirova, Principal Dancer, World-Renowned Russian Dancer 

Meanwhile, Alexei excitedly looks forward to performing in front of a new audience.

“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 Timofeyev, Soloist, World-Renowned Russian Dancer 

The third offering of Ballet Manila’s 26th performance season, dubbed Ballet Masterpieces, Giselle is a classic love story of a village girl (Giselle) who falls in love with Albrecht, not knowing he is already engaged. When she finds out, she dies of a broken heart and becomes a wili, joining the souls of girls who are also wronged by their men. Meanwhile, Albrecht visits the grave of Giselle, who protects him from Myrtha, the vengeful queen of the wilis. 

A dynamic group of young and seasoned Ballet Manila dancers rounds out their performances; Macuja Elizalde says this is the main change for the Giselle restaging. 

The two-act ballet will feature real-life couples' talents both on and off stage, which makes for an interesting showcase. Principal dancers of Ballet Manila Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo will lead the show on August 31 at 1pm, while Renata and Alexei, a renowned duo, will assume the title roles on August 31 at 8pm and September 1 at 5pm.

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