Mariinsky Ballet duo reprise roles for Ballet Manila's 'Don Quixote'
MANILA, Philippines — Prima ballerina Renata Shakirova and principal dancer Kimin Kim of Mariinsky Ballet reprise the roles of Kitri and Basilio when they bring fresh fire to "Don Quixote" as the season finale of Ballet Manila's Pearl Anniversary.
"Don Quixote is a most energetic and powerful dance. The 1st Act is the most difficult part. But since I have a good rapport with my partner, as well as non-verbal communication, we only need to rehearse a few times because we've performed this together for the past 10 years now.
"Characterization added to technique is the most difficult challenge. For example, the execution of the grand jetê is different for every production," shared the Russian prima ballerina, who was mentored by the same teacher as Lisa Macuja.
Joining Ballet Manila's outstanding homegrown company, the two Russian lead dancers will once again pair up to the roles they first performed with the Mariinsky Ballet in 2015, delivering a performance that combines world-class artistry with Filipino excellence in dance.
"Ballet has been my dream. Just being a dancer (whether principal or not) is a highlight in my career. Each performance is something new. In 'Don Quixote,' the first act is most important as this is where we show the audience our acting chops. The third act is all dance. The difficult part with performing in a new audience is the thought that they might not like your performance. I get nervous but excited every time. Each country has different cultures. For instance, in Japan, no clapping is allowed between scenes.
"The individual interpretation must come from me, especially that nowadays many dancers perform alike. For me, it's best to go to the stage and dance and maybe fall. I dance differently each time so it inspires future dancers to perform with their own style. Those who will watch all of our Manila performances will notice that each show is different. This ballet production opened doors for me after my first Korean performance," shared the Korean born-and-raised principal dancer.
"Don Quixote is considered a Russian ballet so audiences who'll watch this Manila show will be in for a greater time. Since 2015, we've danced this production sometimes once each month each year. In Mariinsky, we perform different roles each time," Kimin added.
Mariinsky Ballet pioneered the Vaganova technique in performing ballet movements. While other schools and troupes follow other techniques, Mariinsky dancers employ the Vaganova technique in all their performances. And "Don Quixote" is no exception.
"We are celebrating 30 years now! In 1995, all naysayers said that we will last two years tops. Today, we are the largest ballet company in the Philippines, composed of 42 dancers strong. It's overwhelming, and a bit sad, as we miss our co-artistic directors who've passed on to the afterlife. This is vindication over what the naysayers say that Ballet Manila will fold when I retire. I've retired two years ago, yet the company has gone much stronger.
"The last time we performed the full Don Quixote ballet was two years ago. It is such a happy ballet that it is perfect to close our Pearl Year. It's the perfect show to watch, especially if you're a newcomer. Regardless of form, ballet gives audiences a positive feeling," shared Ballet Manila founder Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
The Filipina prima ballerina said Mariinsky is close to her heart because it is the first ballet company she joined. She explained that in this production, there is a quick change between the Tavern Scene and the Wedding Scene in Act III.
There are also new insertions like the Fandango Scene before the wedding. Minor deletions were done in Act I to tighten the running time, she added.
Renata and Kimin enjoyed their Boracay visit prior to performance week. But Renata, who visited the island as her second time, wanted to take things slower than she did the first time.
"Don Quixote" is considered the duo's "king ballet," a term given to a production that shows an artist's craft when they are at the peak of their game.
The "Don Quixote" production will run from August 22 to 24 at the Aliw Theater.
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