Three of a Kind: Three reasons to watch ‘La Bayadere’

Arguably one of the most lavish ballets ever created, La Bayadere is a tragedy set in India about a temple dancer, a warrior, and a love that goes beyond life. After 16 years, Ballet Manila is bringing back the spectacle in August and here are three good reasons to catch it.

Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim

Ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim are returning to the Philippines to take on the lead roles of Nikiya and Solor. The principal dancers of the famed Mariinsky Ballet wowed Manila balletomanes in 2025 when they performed together with Ballet Manila in Don Quixote. Photo by Marbiphotography

This time, they will be flexing their technique and artistry even further in La Bayadere – a four-act ballet that garnered critical and popular acclaim when it first premiered in 1877.

Kingdom of the Shades

Known for the strength of its corps de ballet, Ballet Manila will be putting its female corps to the test once again with the performance of The Kingdom of the Shades. As the most celebrated scene in La Bayadere, this hallucination of Solor sees dozens of ballerinas in white tutus and veils descending upon the stage one by one in a dreamy display of classical tradition. Photos by Kurt Alvarez

All-new cast

Having been shelved since artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s Swan Song Series in 2013, La Bayadere is featuring an all-new cast with the debuts of principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro as Gamzatti, Mark Sumaylo as the Brahmin, and Jasmine Pia Dames, Jessica Pearl Dames and Shaira Comeros as the lead Shades. Also taking on their roles for the first time are soloist Jos David Andes as the Golden Idol and John Ralp Balagot as the Rajah.

For its second cast, Abigail will also be debuting as Nikiya with soloist Noah Esplana as her Solor who will also be taking on the role for the first time. Soloists Shamira Drapete and Rafael Perez will perform as Gamzatti and the Golden Idol, respectively. Photos by Missy Macuja Elizalde and Erica Marquez-Jacinto

Ballet Manila’s La Bayadere will run from August 14 to 16 at Aliw Theater. For tickets, log on to www.ticketworld.com.