Cover Mariinsky Ballet principal dancer Renata Shakirova and soloist Alexsei Timofeyev (Photo: Ballet Manila and Fuentes Manila)
Mariinsky Ballet principal dancer Renata Shakirova and soloist Alexsei Timofeyev (Photo: Ballet Manila and Fuentes Manila)
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Dive into the world of Ballet Manila’s ‘Giselle,’ a retelling of the classic ballet featuring international stars Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev
Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev, esteemed dancers from Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet, will grace Manila with their presence for Ballet Manila’s restaging of Giselle at the Aliw Theater on August 31 at 8pm and September 1 at 5pm.
This collaboration featuring the Russian duo was made possible through the efforts of Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s artistic director and CEO. Her deep ties with Mariinsky Ballet, where she trained and became the first foreign soloist in the mid-80s, facilitated this cultural exchange.
With Shakirova and Timofeyev’s star power, Macuja Elizalde is thrilled about their rendition of the beloved classic. “Shakirova’s authentic romantic style, combined with the fact that she is dancing with her real-life wife and partner Timofeyev, will elevate Ballet Manila’s Giselle to another level,” she expresses.
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Above Mariinsky Ballet principal dancer Renata Shakirova stars in Ballet Manila’s production of ‘Giselle’ (Photo: Ballet Manila and Fuentes Manila)
Mariinsky Ballet principal dancer Renata Shakirova stars in Ballet Manila’s production of ‘Giselle’ (Photo: Ballet Manila and Fuentes Manila)
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Who are Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev?
Born in Uzbekistan, Shakirova joined Mariinsky Ballet after graduating in 2015. Her first principal role was Kitri in Don Quixote, and in the same year, she was named one of the “25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine. In 2016, she won first prize at the Bolshoi Ballet Competition.
Timofeyev, born in Leningrad, joined the Mariinsky Ballet in 2004 and is currently a soloist. Throughout his career, he has garnered several prestigious awards, including being a prize-winner at the VII International Ballet Competition in Seoul in 2010 and receiving a diploma at the XVI International Rudolf Nureyev Ballet Festival in the same year for his outstanding professionalism and contribution to ballet.
Above Alexsei Timofeyev, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, and Renata Shakirova during the press conference (Photo: Ballet Manila and Fuentes Manila)
Alexsei Timofeyev, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, and Renata Shakirova during the press conference (Photo: Ballet Manila and Fuentes Manila)
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While this marks their first performance on the Philippine stage, Shakirova is eager to connect with the Filipino audience. “Connecting with the audience, especially a Filipino one, means highlighting the small nuances in the performance—like the turn of the head or eye contact with your partner—so that the emotions of the story resonate and the audience truly enjoys the show,” she explains.
Timofeyev shares her excitement, looking forward to performing for a new audience. “We’re feeling great vibes from the Filipino audience, and we want them to experience the story of Giselle with us. It’s our first time, and we hope to create a special experience together.”
On ‘Giselle’
This restaging of Giselle is the third offering in Ballet Manila’s 26th performance season, aptly titled Ballet Masterpieces.
It follows a village girl who falls in love with Albrecht, unaware he is already engaged. When she discovers the truth, she dies of a broken heart and becomes a Wili, joining the souls of other women wronged by their lovers. Albrecht, wracked with guilt, visits Giselle’s grave, where she protects him from Myrtha, the vengeful queen of the Wilis.
Above Mariinsky Ballet principal dancer Renata Shakirova and soloist Alexsei Timofeyev (Photo: Ballet Manila and Fuentes Manila)
Mariinsky Ballet principal dancer Renata Shakirova and soloist Alexsei Timofeyev (Photo: Ballet Manila and Fuentes Manila)
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Introduction of new Ballet Manila dancers
Supporting Shakirova and Timofeyev is a dynamic Ballet Manila ensemble featuring emerging talents and seasoned performers. According to Macuja Elizalde, this diverse cast is the main highlight of the Giselle restaging. “Ballet Manila Corps de Ballet now includes more young members who joined post-pandemic, standing alongside veteran dancers who have performed this ballet many times before,” she notes.
While combining the talents of beginners and seasoned dancers has its challenges, Macuja Elizalde embraced the opportunity to guide and mould this unique ensemble, bringing out the best in them and finding a middle ground.
Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo as alternates
The two-act ballet will showcase the talents of real-life couples both on and off stage. Ballet Manila’s principal dancers, Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo, will lead the August 31 performance at 1pm, while the world-renowned Russian duo will take centre stage on August 31 at 8pm and September 1 at 5pm.
For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit balletmanila.com.ph.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
