Marat Daukayev, School of Ballet

Acclaimed former Kirov Ballet star Marat Daukayev provides amazing performance opportunities to his students each December in The Nutcracker.

Daukayev performs the role of Drosselmeyer in this festive holiday favorite. The classic ballet features battling mice and soldiers, an enchanting snow forest, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

The performances feature more than 130 dancers, ranging from ages 3 to 21. Marat Daukayev has been presenting the Christmas favorite at the Luckman for close to a decade, which is the subject of Serene Dilman’s documentary titled “Getting to the Nutcracker.”