Cover When the stars of Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet, Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev, take the stage in Ballet Manila’s Giselle, it’s more than a performance—it’s a cultural exchange (Photo: Angela Nicole Guiral)
When the stars of Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet, Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev, take the stage in Ballet Manila’s Giselle, it’s more than a performance—it’s a cultural exchange (Photo: Angela Nicole Guiral)
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Under the guidance of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev brought a fresh and emotionally charged interpretation of ‘Giselle’
The allure of Giselle lies not only in its timeless tale of love, betrayal, and redemption but also in the artists who bring these emotions to life.
For Ballet Manila’s restaging of this classic, the spotlight shines on two luminaries from Mariinsky Ballet, Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev, who graced Manila with their presence in a performance that elevated the production to extraordinary heights.
Ballet Manila’s artistic director and CEO, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, orchestrated this collaboration through her deep connections with the Russian ballet company, where she once trained and became the first foreign soloist.
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Performing in the Philippines for the first time, Shakirova and Timofeyev brought their formidable talents and real-life chemistry to the roles of Giselle and Albrecht. Shakirova, a principal dancer renowned for her romantic style, embodied Giselle with a lyrical grace that underscored the character’s tragic arc. Her partner, Timofeyev, a seasoned soloist, conveyed Albrecht’s inner turmoil with a blend of nobility and remorse. Together, they created a version of Giselle that was not merely a retelling but a revitalisation of the ballet’s emotional core.
Above The dynamic partnership of Shakirova and Timofeyev elevates Ballet Manila’s ‘Giselle’
Above With their synchronised movements, the corps de ballet creates a spectral atmosphere
The dynamic partnership of Shakirova and Timofeyev elevates Ballet Manila’s ‘Giselle’
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The performance, held at the Aliw Theater, was the third offering in Ballet Manila’s 26th season, aptly titled Ballet Masterpieces. This season has been a showcase of the company’s resilience and evolution in a post-pandemic world, and Giselle was a fitting capstone to this journey. The production featured a dynamic ensemble of emerging talents and seasoned performers, proof of Macuja-Elizalde’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers while honouring the experience of veteran artists.
Macuja-Elizalde expressed her excitement about this collaboration. “Shakirova’s genuine romantic style, combined with her real-life partner Timofeyev, elevated Ballet Manila’s Giselle to another level,” she noted. This enhancement was evident from the moment the curtains rose, with Shakirova’s delicate gestures and Timofeyev’s powerful presence setting the stage for a technically and emotionally brilliant performance. The audience’s rhythmic clapping during the pas de deux further highlighted its emotional impact.
Above The heroine, who is fragile but spirited, suffers from a heart condition
Above Renata Shakirova’s lyrical portrayal of Giselle highlights the tragic beauty of the character
The heroine, who is fragile but spirited, suffers from a heart condition
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Shakirova, who has been celebrated since her early days at Mariinsky Ballet—named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” and won first prize at the Bolshoi Ballet Competition in 2016—brought an effortless elegance to the role of Giselle. Her connection with the Filipino audience was obvious, as she deftly highlighted the small nuances of the performance, ensuring that every turn of the head, every glance, resonated deeply with those watching. Timofeyev, whose accolades include recognition at the International Ballet Competition in Seoul and the Rudolf Nureyev Ballet Festival, mirrored this intensity—his Albrecht a study in conflicted emotions.
Above Stephanie Santiago commands the stage as Myrtha, the Wilis queen, leading the ghostly ensemble with a powerful and captivating presence
Above The ethereal white costumes and minimalist set design enhance the haunting elegance of the Wilis in Ballet Manila's ‘Giselle’
Stephanie Santiago commands the stage as Myrtha, the Wilis queen, leading the ghostly ensemble with a powerful and captivating presence
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As the story of Giselle unfolded, the audience was drawn into its world of pastoral charm and supernatural horror. The first act’s light-hearted dances, depicting a village girl’s ill-fated romance, gave way to the haunting scenes of the second act, where Giselle’s spirit joins the ranks of the Wilis—ghostly maidens who exact revenge on those who wronged them in life. Stephanie Santiago’s portrayal of Myrtha, the Wilis queen, was particularly striking, her stern demeanour contrasting with the graceful yet haunting choreography. Santiago, recently named Ballet Manila’s newest soloist, added depth to the narrative, embodying the wrathful spirit with a mix of poise and power.
The entire corps de ballet, clad in ethereal white, transformed the stage into a spectral landscape, their synchronised movements creating an atmosphere of otherworldly beauty and dread. The minimalist set design, enhanced by the Aliw Theater’s updated LED projections, provided a stark backdrop that allowed the dancers’ performances to take centre stage. This visual restraint, paired with the emotional intensity of the dance, resulted in a production that was as haunting as it was beautiful.
Above Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s vision transforms ‘Giselle’ into a breathtaking experience for Ballet Manila's 26th performance season
Above When Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev take the stage in Ballet Manila’s Giselle, it’s more than a performance—it’s a cultural exchange
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s vision transforms ‘Giselle’ into a breathtaking experience for Ballet Manila's 26th performance season
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Reflecting on the evening’s performance, it was clear that Ballet Manila had succeeded in not just restaging Giselle, but in reimagining it for a new era. The presence of Shakirova and Timofeyev brought to Manila through Macuja-Elizalde’s vision added a layer of artistry that elevated the production to a world-class level. As Ballet Manila looks ahead to its 30th anniversary, the company stands poised to continue its legacy, with Giselle serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring magic of ballet.
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Credits
Images: Angela Nicole Guiral
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.
