Ballet Manila is set to conclude its successful PRIMA season with a rare-full length staging of Marius Petipa’s classic, La Bayadère, at the Aliw Theater on August 14 to 16. From Sleeping Beauty to the country’s first-ever full length world premiere of Paquita, Ballet Manila has been successful in celebrating its 31st performance season this year.
The company last staged La Bayadere thirteen years ago which makes Ballet Manila’s artistic director and CEO Lisa Macuja Elizalde more excited for the upcoming show.
READ: Ballet Manila bringing superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim for La Bayadère production
“It has been 13 years since Ballet Manila last staged La Bayadère and bringing it back today feels both exciting and meaningful. La Bayadère is one of the great classical ballets that has everything the audience looks for in a theatrical experience–– love, passion, betrayal, tragedy, death, beautiful music, magnificent costume and scenery, and extraordinary dancing,” she shared.
Joining in the production are two global ballet superstars–– Prima Ballerina of Mariinsky Ballet Renata Shakirova and Principal Dancer of Mariinsky Ballet Kimin Kim–– who performed with Ballet Manila last year for Don Quixote.
“Their artistry and technical brilliance will undoubtedly make this production even more special,” Lisa added.
The two international stars expressed how excited they are to be back with Ballet Manila as they feel comfortable with everyone involved in the production.
“From my very first rehearsal, I felt as though we had already been dancing together for years. That family atmosphere makes performing here unforgettable. I hope Renata and I can return to Ballet Manila and the Philippines again and again,” Kimin said.
“I love seeing their eyes burning with excitement and watching them discover us in new roles,” Renata added.
La Bayadère is set against the backdrop of ancient India and tells the story of Nikiya, a temple dancer bound by love, and Solor, a warrior who’s torn between passion and duty. The fate of the two intertwine with Gamzatti, a daughter of a rajah, and the High Brahmin, whose desires ignite betrayal and tragedy.
2026 marks a special milestone for Lisa as well as its the 40th anniversary since she came home to the Philippines from Russia where she was the first foreign soloist of the then Kirov Ballet.
Tickets for La Bayadère are available through Ballet Manila’s website and TicketWorld.com.ph.