About

Founded in 2001 by Marat and Pamela Daukayev, the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet’s mission is to provide training based on the Vaganova method, devised by the Russian dancer Agrippina Vaganova (1879–1951). It fuses elements of traditional French style from the romantic era with the athleticism and virtuosity of Italian technique. Students who study ballet at MDSB will acquire physical coordination, self-confidence and a love for the arts that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Marat Daukayev

Mr. Daukayev received his professional training at the Vaganova and Perm Ballet Schools.

In 1972, he won the Bronze Medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition. He was subsequently invited to join the Kirov as a soloist where he was quickly promoted to principal dancer.

During his 20 year career he danced the leading male roles in the complete repertoire of classical ballets with numerous international ballet tours. He has also performed in both film and television. St. Petersburg audiences loved him for the brilliant technique and exceptional dramatic ability that he brought to his roles.

 

In 1977, Mr. Daukayev received the Russian State Award for his artistic achievements. In 1983, he was named People’s Artist, the highest honor bestowed by the Russian State.

From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Daukayev was teacher and coach to principal dancers of the Kirov Ballet, helping to create the next generation of stars. In 1995, Mr. Daukayev was invited as a guest teacher to Los Angeles, where he met his wife, Pamela.

Mr. Daukayev was appointed Ballet Master to Colorado Ballet in 1999. From 2007 to 2009, he served as Artistic Director of the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C. Mr. Daukayev returned full time to Los Angeles in 2010 to give his undivided attention to directing and teaching at Marat Daukayev School of Ballet.

The History of Our School

 

Marat and Pamela Daukayev established the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet in the mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles in 2001. The school set down roots inside Dance Arts Academy where it grew and for almost 20 years. Then around 2019, Marat and Pamela decided it was time to relocate the school to a more modern and spacious studio space in Koreatown.

Since its founding, the school has grown from just a handful of students to one of the largest and most well-regarded ballet schools in Los Angeles. MDSB has taught and trained more than 2,000 students. Many of whom have gone on to dance professionally in some of the world’s top ballet companies.

Our school welcomes all children who wish to apply themselves to develop and practice the discipline of classical ballet. All of our students have the opportunity to train with exceptional teachers, whether they aspire to dance professionally or simply study ballet to develop self-discipline, confidence, or physical fitness.

MDSB is proud to have alumni who have danced with or who are currently dancing with such well-regarded companies and schools like the Royal Ballet School, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, the Royal Swedish Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet, Houston Ballet, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, Tulsa Ballet, Stuttgard Ballet, and the Russian State Ballet.

 

Theatre

Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre is a California Non-Profit (Fed Tax ID#: 91-2160315). While the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet and the Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre are two separate legal entities Marat Daukayev is director of both. The Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre is a non-profit 501(c) 3. established to help bring ballet to children and adults who might not otherwise have the means to experience the art form.

To make a donation to the Theatre click here.