About Konstantin Dournev

Mr. Konstantin began his career in Novosibirsk, Russia at the Novosibirsk Ballet Academy (Degree of Ballet Artist) and the Russian Academy of Theatrical Art in Moscow -GITIS (Bachelor degree of Ballet Teacher and Choreographer). As a principal dancer he toured throughout the world with the Novosibirsk Theater of Opera and Ballet, with Moscow Classical Ballet and with Russian State Ballet. He also performed on the world famous stages as of the Bolshoi Theater of Opera and Ballet, of the Mariinsy Theatre, of Vienna State Opera.

In the USA he was a principal ballet dancer of NJ Ballet Co. over 10 years. He captured the attention of critics and audiences with his technique and dramatic dances in Giselle and Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Coppelia, Esmeralda, Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Spartacus, Macbeth and many others. His repertory includes numerous works of famous world choreographers such as Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Yury Grigorovich, Vladimir Vasilev and other acclaimed masters.

Mr. Konstantin won silver and bronze medals in international ballet competitions and was a guest star with the Russian Imperial Ballet under the direction of Maya Plisetskaya. From 1998 he started to work with NJ Ballet Co. as their principal dancer and later he choreographed the one act ballets of Macbeth and Spartacus, was an assistant choreographer for three act ballet Esmeralda and did contemporary pieces Never Ending Story, Creation and others.

He was invited to many ballet schools and companies all over the USA and Russia as ballet teacher and choreographer. Mr. Konstantin choreographed ballets such as Coppelia, Nutcracker, Swan Lake and many contemporary and classical pieces especially for each company and school. His professionalism, personality and energy inspired every student to strive to be a better dancer.

Unfortunately, Mr. Konstantin passed away in October of 2021 because of health concerns.

In Loving Memory

Mr. Konstantin left a legacy that continues to influence and inspire the world of ballet. His absence is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, but his spirit lives on through the dancers he mentored and the passion he shared with the world.

We invoke his memory in every step, every movement, and every moment of this competition. The spirit of his love for ballet and his commitment to excellence in dance, as well as his dedication to inspiring the next generation, lives on through The Konstantin Award, which will continue to remind us of his passion, dedication, and the enduring legacy he left within the ballet world.