Mr. Ulzii Davaadorj
Artistic Director
Holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Choreography from the St. Petersburg State Conservatory in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he studied under the famed choreographer, Igor Belsky. While training with Belsky, Mr. Davaadorj also honed his skills as a master of classical Russian ballet technique, as well as in the art of modern, jazz and character dance. Before traveling to the United States, Mr. Davaadorj returned to his native country of Mongolia where he became the Ballet Master at The Mongolian Opera and Ballet Theatre. While at the Mongolian Opera and Ballet Theatre, Mr. Davaadorj choreographed original works for classical and modern dancers . Thus, upon arriving to the United States in 1996, Mr. Davaadorj’s vast dance and choreographic repertoire already included Hamlet (1991), Four Strings (1993), and a restaging of The Rite of Spring (Davaadorj, 1994), among other original works.
After settling in New Jersey with his wife, Ms. Tuya Tumennasan, and his family, Mr. Davaadorj was invited to join the faculty of the River Ballet in 1996 where he worked with young students to develop their dance training and their performance qualities such as character, grace and musicality that were instilled in him by his mentor, Belsky. With both his knowledge of the dance world as well as his experience as a choreographer/dancer, Mr. Davaadorj brought a unique perspective to his new students, exposing them to the hard work, precision and yet rewards of a performing art. Soon, Mr. Davaadorj rose to the position of Artistic Director of the River Ballet, helping to oversee the annual production of The Nutcracker, while continuing to teach and choreograph for the school’s regular students. During this time, Mr. Davaadorj earned much acclaim for his original choreographic work, Wolves (1999), a contemporary ballet inspired by his young students. Mr. Davaadorj also continued to dance professionally, first with the National Ballet of New Jersey where he performed leads in Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Midsummer Night’s Dream and Petipa’s regal Sleeping Beauty set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Ever supportive of young students, Mr. Davaadorj also joined the faculty Knecht Ballet Academy in Pennsylvania, Allworthy School of Dance, the New Jersey National Ballet’s School and The Bach Ballet where he again was given the opportunity to choreograph for his young dancers and prepare his accomplished students for the stage.
In opening their studio, Ms. Tumennasan and Mr. Davaadorj hope to continue their passion for teaching all young dancers. Their world class background in classical and modern dance as well as in choreography will present dancers of all kinds with a unique resource to learn from masterful technicians as well as from creative artists. Through their own blend of class work, rehearsal, and performance opportunities, students will refine their own technical skills and stage presence. Moreover, with years of combined teaching experience in Russia, Mongolia and the United States, Ms. Tumennansan and Mr. Davaadorj are committed to the utmost level of professionalism in studio affairs, and will constantly endeavor to bring their passion and love for dance to their new students.
