Don Quixote

 Mariinsky Ballet duo reprise roles first performed a decade ago

 By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

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 season finale to 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 ten 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 1st Act is most important as this is where we show the audience our acting chops. The 3rd 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 performance as a student dancer in Korea. That was how I got invited to the Mariinsky Ballet," 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 at least 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 as a company  now! In 1995, all naysayers said that we will last two years tops. Today, we are the largest ballet company in the Philippines, comprised 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.

"Mariinsky is close to my heart as it is the first ballet company I joined. In this production, there's 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. We deleted minor scenes in Act I to tighten the running time," shared Ballet Manila founder Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. 

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're at the peak of their game.

The "Don Quixote" production will run from Aug 22 to 24 at the Aliw Theater. For ticket inquiries, simply get in touch with Ticketworld.com.ph.