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Daniil Dmitrievich Simkin (Даниил Дмитриевич Симкин; born 12 October 1987) is a ballet dancer and entrepreneur. He was formerly a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and the Berlin State Ballet. Based in New York, he founded Studio Simkin, a production company focused on digital and interdisciplinary ballet projects.

Key Information

Simkin has cited Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev, and his father, Dmitrij Simkin, as early influences.[1]

Early life and training

[edit]

Simkin was born in Novosibirsk, Russia, and grew up in Wiesbaden, Germany, as a German citizen. His parents, former ballet dancers Dmitrij Simkin and Olga Aleksandrova, met while performing at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. His half-brother, Anton Alexandrov (born 1977), danced with the Hamburg Ballet and is now a ballet teacher.[2]

Simkin studied ballet privately with his mother, and was her first student.[3] He received a conventional academic education in Wiesbaden and completed Abitur, the German qualification to attend university, alongside his ballet studies.[3] As a student, he performed corps and soloist roles with Ballet Wiesbaden from 1993 to 2006.[2]

Career

[edit]

After receiving the Senior Gold Medal at the 2006 USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi,[4] Simkin was invited to perform in the gala “Stars of the 21st Century” in Paris, and subsequently in New York.[5] He joined Wiener Staatsballett (Vienna State Ballet) in 2006 and was promoted to first soloist in 2007.[6]

In 2008, Simkin joined American Ballet Theatre as a soloist, where he performed a wide range of roles.[7] He was described by The New York Times critic Gia Kourlas as “a dancer happiest in the air.”[8]

Simkin was promoted to principal dancer at ABT in December 2012.[7] He performed leading roles in classical and neoclassical repertoire, including Don Quixote, Prodigal Son, Swan Lake, and the Boy with Matted Hair in Antony Tudor’s Shadowplay. He also danced works by choreographers including George Balanchine,[9][10] Jerome Robbins, Paul Taylor,[11] Twyla Tharp, and Merce Cunningham, and created new roles with choreographers such as Benjamin Millepied and Alexei Ratmansky.

In 2018, Simkin joined Staatsballett Berlin (Berlin State Ballet) as a principal dancer, a position he held in parallel with his role at ABT.[12][13] He noted that the move would enable him to perform more Europe‑centric contemporary choreography and explore a broader range of creators; he also cited Berlin’s contemporary cultural scene as an inspiration.[14] During his first season, Ratmansky created a new La Bayadère for the company, in which Simkin danced Solor.[6] He last appeared as a principal dancer with ABT in 2020, and returned as a guest artist in 2022. [1](https://www.abt.org/guest-artists-daniil-simkin-and-daniel-camargo/)

In 2021, Simkin was the first teacher on the new platform Dance‑Masterclass, teaching pirouettes and turns. In partnership with Dance‑Masterclass, he also co‑produced an interview with ballerina Sylvie Guillem.[15]

Studio Simkin

[edit]

In 2021, Simkin founded the production company Studio Simkin to explore digital and interdisciplinary formats for ballet productions, with an emphasis on collaboration and experimentation.[2][16][17]

Independent productions

[edit]

In 2015, Simkin co-produced Intensio with the Joyce Theater in New York, which premiered at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in July 2015,[18] toured Houston and Buenos Aires in November 2015, and ran at the Joyce for a week in January 2016. Dancers at the New York debut included Isabella Boylston, Alexandre Hammoudi, Blaine Hoven, Calvin Royal III, Hee Seo, Cassandra Trenary, James Whiteside, and Céline Cassone.[19]

Falls the Shadow (2017) was co-produced with, and staged at, the Guggenheim Museum, New York. The multidisciplinary dance installation[20] featured choreography by Alejandro Cerrudo; video design by Dmitrij Simkin in partnership with interactive media designer Arístides Job García Hernández; and costumes by Dior.[20][21]

Diorama (2020), co-produced with Staatsballett Berlin, is a dance film conceived at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with Simkin’s longtime partner Maria Kochetkova. It features choreography by Sebastian Kloborg and music by the Kronos Quartet.[22] The film received the award for “Best Screen Dance Film under 10 Minutes” at the 2021 San Francisco Dance Film Festival.[23]

Selected repertoire

[edit]

American Ballet Theatre[7]

  • Afterite, Wayne McGregor, Leading Role
  • Allegro Brillante, George Balanchine, Leading Role
  • La Bayadère, Natalia Makarova after Marius Petipa, Bronze Idol
  • Black Tuesday, Paul Taylor, Featured Role
  • The Brahms-Haydn Variations, Twyla Tharp, Leading Role
  • The Bright Stream, Alexei Ratmansky, Ballet Dancer
  • Company B, Paul Taylor, Featured Role
  • Coppélia, Frederic Franklin after Arthur Saint-Leon, Franz
  • Le Corsaire, Konstantin Sergeyev after Marius Petipa, Lankendem; Ali, the Slave
  • Don Quixote (McKenzie/Jones) after Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky - Basilio; Lead Gypsy Man
  • The Dream, Frederick Ashton - Puck
  • Duets, Merce Cunningham - Featured Role
  • Everything Doesn't Happen at Once, Benjamin Millepied - Featured Role*
  • Fancy Free, Jerome Robbins - First Sailor
  • Flames of Paris, David Holmes and Anna-Marie Holmes after Vasily Vainonen - Leading Role
  • Giselle (McKenzie) after Jean Corrali, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa - Albrecht; peasant pas de deux
  • The Green Table, Kurt Jooss - Profiteer
  • Harlequinade, Alexei Ratmansky after Marius Petipa - Harlequin
  • I Feel The Earth Move, Benjamin Millepied - Leading Role
  • In the Upper Room, Twyla Tharp - Featured Role
  • The Leaves Are Fading, Antony Tudor - Featured Role
  • Manon, Kenneth MacMillan - Lescaut
  • Monotones I and II, Frederick Ashton - Monotones I
  • A Month in the Country, Frederick Ashton - Kolia
  • Mozartiana, George Balanchine - Gigue
  • The Nutcracker, Alexei Ratmansky - Nutcracker, the Prince; Chinese Dance*
  • One of Three, Aszure Barton - Featured Role
  • Onegin, John Cranko - Lensky
  • Piano Concerto #1, Alexei Ratmansky - Leading Role
  • Prodigal Son, George Balanchine - Son
  • Romeo and Juliet, Kenneth MacMillan - Romeo; Mercutio; Benvolio
  • Serenade after Plato's Symposium, Alexei Ratmansky - Leading Role*
  • Shadowplay, Antony Tudor - Boy with Matted Hair
  • Sinfonietta, Jiří Kylián - Featured Role
  • The Sleeping Beauty (McKenzie/Kirkland/Chernov after Marius Petipa) - Prince Désiré; Bluebird
  • The Sleeping Beauty (Ratmansky after Petipa) - The Bluebird*
  • Le Spectre de la Rose, Michel Fokine - Rose
  • Stars and Stripes, George Balanchine - Leading Role (pas de deux)
  • Swan Lake (McKenzie after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov) - Prince Siegfried; Benno
  • La Sylphide (Bruhn, 1983 staging) August Bournonville - Gurn
  • Sylvia, Frederick Ashton - Eros; Orion; Goat
  • Symphony in C, George Balanchine - Fourth Movement
  • Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, George Balanchine - Leading Role
  • The Tempest, Alexei Ratmansky - Ariel*
  • Troika, Benjamin Millepied - Leading Role*
  • Whipped Cream, Alexei Ratmansky - The Boy*

*created role

Staatsballett Berlin (Berlin State Ballet)[6]

  • La Bayadère, Alexei Ratmansky - Solor
  • The Nutcracker, Yuri Burlaka/Vasily Medvedev - Nutcracker Prince
  • Onegin, John Cranko - Lensky
  • Giselle, Patrice Bart - Albrecht
  • La Sylphide, August Bournonville - James
  • Jewels, George Balanchine - Rubies
  • Theme and Variations, George Balanchine - Leading Role

Awards

[edit]

2000: First Prize, International Ballet Competition St. Pölten, Austria

2001: First Prize, Fourth International Ballet Competition, Vienna

2002: First Prize, Nyon Ballet Competition, Nyon, Switzerland

2003: First Prize Junior / Encouragement Prize, Prix Grande-Duchesse Maria Teresa, Seventh International Ballet Competition, Luxembourg

2004: Grand Prix, Fifth International Ballet Competition, Vienna

2004: First Prize Senior, "Mikhail Baryshnikov" for best male dancer, Eighth International Ballet Competition "Arabesque," Perm, Russia

2004: First Prize and gold medal, 21st International Ballet Competition, Varna

2005: Gloria Grand Prix, International Ballet Competition, Helsinki

2006: Men's Senior Gold Medal, USA International Ballet Competition, Jackson

[6][24]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Daniil Simkin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Daniil Simkin (born October 12, 1987) is a Russian-born , producer, and choreographer renowned for his exceptional athleticism, precision, and innovative approach to blending with contemporary and digital elements. Born in , , to professional dancers Dmitrij Simkin and Olga Aleksandrova, he moved with his family to , , at age two, where he grew up and began performing on stage at age five alongside his father at the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden. He started formal training at age nine under his mother's guidance, training intensively for a decade while competing internationally from age twelve. Simkin's professional career launched in 2006 as a demi-soloist with the State Opera Ballet, followed by his joining (ABT) as a soloist in 2008 and promotion to in 2012, during which he performed leading roles in major classical and neoclassical works. In 2018, he became a with Staatsballett while continuing guest appearances with ABT, though he transitioned to independent status by 2020, focusing on global guest artistry. His competitive achievements include first prizes at international competitions in St. Pölten (2000), (2001), and Perm (2004), the Grand Prix at the International Ballet Competition in (2005), and a senior gold medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson (2006). Beyond performing, Simkin has pioneered ballet's digital evolution as an early adopter of and multimedia, launching the INTENSIO in 2015 to create interdisciplinary works such as the Guggenheim-commissioned Falls the Shadow (2017) and the award-winning Diorama (2020). In 2021, he founded Studio Simkin in New York, a production entity dedicated to reimagining through technology, , and cross-disciplinary collaborations, including the 2024 release one at Lincoln Center's Dance on Camera Festival and the 2025 production Athletes of the Gods in . Based between New York and , Simkin continues to influence the field as a guest artist, , and for ballet's modernization as of 2025.

Early life and training

Family background and childhood

Daniil Simkin was born on October 12, 1987, in , (now ). His parents, both accomplished dancers, played a pivotal role in shaping his early interest in the art form; his father, Dmitrij Simkin, was a former with the Novosibirsk State Opera Ballet and later the State Theater in , while his mother, Olga Aleksandrova, served as a former there as well. In 1990, the family relocated to the West due to his parents' professional opportunities, eventually settling in , , where they established a stable home base. Growing up in this ballet-oriented environment, Simkin was immersed from a young age in the world of professional , frequently observing his parents' rehearsals and performances at the Hessisches Staatstheater . This constant exposure fostered his innate affinity for movement and the stage, setting the foundation for his future career. Simkin's earliest public engagement came at age five, when he made his first stage appearance performing alongside his at the Hessisches Staatstheater , marking the beginning of his hands-on involvement in . These informal opportunities in a household centered on not only introduced him to the discipline's demands but also highlighted his natural talent for captivating audiences early on.

Ballet education and early performances

Simkin began his formal ballet training at the age of nine under the guidance of his mother, Olga Aleksandrova, a former principal dancer with the State Opera Ballet, in , . This private instruction, which lasted for ten years, formed the core of his technical development, with daily sessions six days a week emphasizing a blend of Russian, French, and methods tailored to his strengths and weaknesses. Balancing this rigorous regimen with a standard academic high school curriculum, Simkin honed his foundational technique without enrolling in a traditional vocational academy. His family's deep roots in , including his parents' professional careers, provided early motivation and exposure to the stage, encouraging his commitment to training from a young age. Simkin's initial performance experiences started even earlier, at age five, when he joined his father, Dmitrij Simkin, in various productions at the Staatstheater , the local where his parents performed. These youth ensembles and local productions allowed him to build confidence in live settings, performing complex steps alongside professionals and refining his artistry through repeated exposure. Throughout his training period, Simkin participated in ten international youth competitions, achieving first place in nine of them, which underscored his emerging talent and technical prowess. Notable successes included Second Class Distinction in the junior division at the Varna International Ballet Competition in 2004 and the Gloria Grand Prix at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition in 2005, providing critical feedback and validation during his formative years. These victories, earned while still under his mother's tutelage, highlighted his exceptional jumps, turns, and musicality, solidifying the effectiveness of his intensive, personalized education.

Professional career

Debut and Vienna State Opera

Upon graduating from academic high school in in 2006, Daniil Simkin joined the Ballet as a demi-soloist at the age of 18, marking his entry into professional . His rigorous training across institutions in , , and the had equipped him with the technical prowess necessary for this transition. Within his first year, Simkin demonstrated exceptional talent, earning promotion to first soloist in 2007 and quickly assuming prominent roles in the company's repertoire. He performed in classical works such as the peasant in Giselle and Benno in Swan Lake, while also tackling leading parts in ballets by and William Forsythe. His interpretations in pieces like , where he debuted as Basilio, and showcased his virtuosic jumps and precise artistry, contributing to his rapid ascent. During this period, Simkin began establishing himself internationally through guest appearances and participation in the global gala circuit, including early tours that exposed him to diverse audiences and stages. These opportunities, often alongside his Vienna commitments, highlighted his emerging reputation as a dynamic young talent. In 2008, after two years with the Ballet, Simkin departed to pursue broader opportunities in the United States, joining as a soloist. This move reflected his ambition to expand his career on a larger international platform.

American Ballet Theatre tenure

Daniil Simkin joined (ABT) as a soloist in October 2008, marking the beginning of his prominent U.S.-based career following his earlier experiences in Europe. His technical prowess and charismatic stage presence quickly distinguished him within the company, where he performed a range of classical and contemporary roles during his initial years as a soloist. In November 2012, Simkin was promoted to principal dancer, a rank he held until 2020, allowing him to take on leading roles in major productions. Among his notable performances were Prince Siegfried in Kevin MacKenzie's Swan Lake, where he partnered Isabella Boylston during the 2015 Metropolitan Opera House season, showcasing his lyrical partnering and dramatic intensity. In Alexei Ratmansky's production of The Sleeping Beauty, Simkin excelled as the Bluebird, delivering virtuosic leaps and precise artistry in the grand pas de deux during international engagements, including the 2016 Paris tour. He also contributed to ABT's contemporary repertoire, appearing in works by Twyla Tharp such as Push Comes to Shove, highlighting his versatility in blending classical technique with modern choreography. Throughout his tenure, Simkin participated in ABT's annual spring seasons at the Metropolitan Opera House and fall engagements at venues like the , as well as international tours that extended the company's reach. These included performances in in 2009, where he danced in Benjamin Millepied's Everything Doesn't Happen at Once, and broader global tours across , , and the up to 2017, fostering ABT's reputation worldwide. In 2017, Simkin transitioned from full-time principal status at ABT to pursue opportunities with Staatsballett Berlin while maintaining select appearances with ABT, reflecting a shift toward greater artistic independence. His last full-season participation with the company occurred in 2020, after which he fully embraced freelance work, though he continued occasional guest roles.

Staatsballett Berlin and freelance work

In 2017, Daniil Simkin was appointed as a principal dancer with Staatsballett Berlin, effective for the 2018-2019 season, marking his return to a European company base after years with American Ballet Theatre. This move coincided with the arrival of co-artistic directors Sasha Waltz and Johannes Öhman, allowing Simkin to expand his repertoire in both classical and contemporary works. During his tenure in Berlin, Simkin performed lead roles in key productions, including in Giselle choreographed by Patrice , partnering with principal dancer in stagings at the Deutsche Oper. He also danced in contemporary pieces under Waltz's direction, contributing to the company's blend of traditional ballet and modern choreography. These performances highlighted his versatility, drawing on technical precision honed during his ABT years to meet the demands of 's diverse repertory. Simkin began freelance activities as early as 2017, selectively accepting global invitations while fulfilling his Berlin commitments, which enabled him to maintain an international presence without full-time constraints. In 2023, Simkin departed from his position as at Staatsballett to focus on creative pursuits and freelance engagements. In addition to performing, Simkin expanded into teaching, launching online masterclasses on the Dance-Masterclass platform in 2021, where he shared expertise on techniques like pirouettes and turns for dancers of all levels. As of 2025, he continues this educational role as part of his freelance career.

Guest artist engagements

Following his establishment as a freelance artist, Daniil Simkin has engaged in selective guest performances worldwide, leveraging his reputation to collaborate with diverse companies and ensembles. These engagements often feature him in principal roles that highlight his dynamic technique and interpretive depth. In 2022, Simkin returned to as a guest artist for two performances of Alexei Ratmansky's during the company's fall season at the . He had previously served as a with ABT from 2012 to 2020, making this a notable homecoming that showcased his continued affinity for the company's repertoire. In March 2024, Simkin performed the role of Albrecht in a production of Giselle with the Metropolitan Ballet at the University of Minnesota's Northrop Auditorium, partnering with American Ballet Theatre principal Skylar Brandt. The engagement, accompanied by the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra, drew acclaim for Simkin's portrayal of the tragic nobleman, emphasizing his precision in both classical partnering and dramatic expression. Later that year, in June 2024, Simkin reprised Albrecht opposite in at the Fifth Tbilisi International Festival, staged by the State of Georgia at the Opera and Theatre. This festival appearance, part of the event's classical program from June 22 to 30, underscored his appeal in Eastern European venues and collaborations with international stars. Simkin was scheduled to guest as Félix le chat in The Ballet's production of (Casse-Noisette) on February 7 and 9, 2025, at the New National Theatre in . However, he withdrew from the role in late 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances. Throughout 2024, Simkin also appeared in high-profile galas, including the Les Étoiles gala produced by Daniele Cipriani Entertainment at Milan's Teatro degli Arcimboldi on November 29 and 30, where he delivered virtuosic solos that captivated audiences with his explosive jumps and charisma. These one-off collaborations and festival participations reflect his global demand as a versatile guest artist, allowing him to explore varied artistic contexts beyond permanent affiliations. In July 2025, Simkin performed the role of the Prince in , . In September 2025, he presented his production Athletes of the Gods at the in , .

Entrepreneurial and creative projects

Founding of Studio Simkin

In 2021, Daniil Simkin founded Studio Simkin as a production company with bases in New York and , consolidating his creative endeavors into a dedicated entity for advancing innovation. The company emerged from Simkin's prior independent projects, such as the experiences INTENSIO (2015) and Falls The Shadow (2017), which explored beyond traditional stages. Studio Simkin emphasizes digital and interdisciplinary formats, incorporating elements and to bridge classical with contemporary . Its initial goals centered on reimagining for online audiences through collaborative , blending with immersive tools to maintain relevance in a digital era. This approach aims to create accessible, technology-enhanced experiences that expand 's reach performances. The studio integrates seamlessly with Simkin's freelance schedule as a principal dancer, allowing flexible production timelines alongside his touring commitments. Funding is secured through strategic partnerships with artistic institutions and collaborators, enabling sustainable project development without fixed institutional ties. By 2025, Studio Simkin had evolved to deepen explorations in screendance and immersive media, building on early works like CAVE: Convergence Part One (premiered April 2022) and Diorama (2020), which earned recognition for innovative film-dance hybrids. In November 2025, the studio co-produced Carême: The Taster, a food opera presented as part of Works & Process at the Guggenheim Museum from November 13–17, featuring interdisciplinary collaboration with Rasmus Munk, Stewart Matthew, and Jason Graves. These advancements reflect a commitment to multisensory performances that fuse choreography with emerging digital mediums, further positioning the company as a pioneer in adaptive ballet production.

Major independent productions

Simkin's major independent productions highlight his shift toward innovative, multimedia dance experiences produced through his company, Studio Simkin, which serves as a platform for blending classical ballet with contemporary and technological elements. These projects emphasize site-specific performances, film, and collaborative choreography, often pushing boundaries beyond traditional stage formats. INTENSIO, a contemporary dance project conceived and led by Simkin, premiered at the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in July 2015 before its New York debut at The Joyce Theater in December 2015. The evening featured four newly commissioned works by choreographers Alexander Ekman, Gregory Dolbashian, Jorma Elo, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, performed by Simkin alongside principal dancers from American Ballet Theatre and other guests. Drawing on themes of introspection and athleticism, the production showcased visceral, vignette-style pieces set to live music, marking Simkin's early foray into curating interdisciplinary dance evenings. In 2017, Simkin presented Falls the Shadow, a site-specific dance installation in the rotunda of the as part of the Works & Process series. Choreographed by Alejandro Cerrudo, the work integrated Simkin's solo performance with reactive 3D-mapped video projections by Dmitrij Simkin and Arístides , creating an immersive environment that responded to the dancer's movements and the museum's spiral architecture. Premiering on September 4 and 5, the production explored themes of shadow and illusion, transforming the iconic space into a dynamic canvas for . The 2020 screendance film , co-produced with , emerged during the as a response to the inability of the longtime dance partners to perform together in person. Directed by Sebastian Kloborg and featuring music by , the film depicts a surreal chase through fragmented, dreamlike dioramas, blending theatrical with cinematic effects to convey isolation and longing. It won Best Screendance Under 10 Minutes at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival in 2021. CAVE: Convergence Part One, co-produced with the Dance Company, premiered in April 2022 at . Choreographed by , the high-energy work fused with nightclub-inspired rhythms and lighting, performed by the company ensemble to evoke transcendent communal experiences. Simkin originated the concept, aiming to merge performative dance with immersive nightlife elements in a post-pandemic context. In 2024, Simkin starred in the seven-minute dance film One, choreographed by David Dawson and directed by Mathäus Bussmann, which premiered at the Dance on Camera Festival at in February before its full online release in June. The piece traces an artist's journey toward higher consciousness amid adversity, featuring Simkin's emotive solo against a minimalist backdrop and original score, emphasizing themes of resilience and transcendence.

Artistic repertoire and style

Signature roles and collaborations

Daniil Simkin has built a distinguished career through his interpretations of principal roles in classical ballets, showcasing his technical precision and dramatic depth. Among his signature classical portrayals is in Giselle, a role he first danced as a soloist with (ABT) in 2009 and reprised in subsequent seasons, including a notable 2017 performance at the House and a 2025 engagement with the State Ballet of Georgia. He has also embodied Prince Siegfried in , performing the role during ABT's 2012 spring season and later in Patrice Bart's production with Staatsballett , where he highlighted the character's emotional vulnerability in rehearsals alongside . Another cornerstone is in , which Simkin executed with ABT starting in 2010, capturing the warrior's agility in the Kingdom of the Shades scene, and continued in guest appearances, such as a 2019 rendition with Staatsballett . In neoclassical and contemporary works, Simkin has demonstrated versatility across diverse choreographic styles. He originated the role of the Boy in Alexei Ratmansky's with ABT in 2017, portraying a hallucinatory figure in a surreal confectionery world, and returned to the role in the company's 2022 fall season opposite Breanne Granlund. Simkin has also excelled in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room, a high-energy ensemble piece he performed during his ABT tenure from 2008 onward, emphasizing stamina and rhythmic drive, as well as in her Nine Sinatra Songs, where he partnered in that blended with social dance elements. For Jirí Kylián's , Simkin has engaged with pieces like Sinfonietta in featured roles during guest engagements, aligning his dynamic style with the choreographer's abstract, athletic expressions, though specific ABT or stagings highlight his affinity for Kylián's innovative movement vocabulary. Simkin's collaborations with prominent choreographers extend his influence beyond traditional repertory. With David Dawson, he co-produced and starred in the 2024 dance film one, an intimate exploration of human connection set to Arvo Pärt's music, where Simkin performed a leading role that fused classical lines with contemporary fluidity. At Staatsballett , under the joint artistic direction of Sasha Waltz and Johannes Öhman (2018–2020), Simkin has integrated into productions reflecting Waltz's experimental approach, including site-specific works that blend with theater, enhancing his freelance profile through such institutional partnerships. In guest and freelance contexts, he has adapted roles underscoring his willingness to reinterpret classics for innovative narratives. Simkin's cumulative reflects his evolution from classical principal to multifaceted across major companies and independent projects.

Innovations in dance presentation

Daniil Simkin is renowned for his virtuosic jumps and exceptional speed, which have become hallmarks of his style, allowing him to execute high-flying leaps with remarkable softness and precision. His performances often emphasize , where he infuses classical steps with dynamic phrasing that highlights rhythmic nuances and emotional depth. For instance, in roles like Basilio from , Simkin demonstrates these qualities through ebullient virtuosity and super-fast turns that captivate audiences. Simkin was an early adopter of platforms in the to disseminate content and build a personal , utilizing , , and to share performances, behind-the-scenes insights, and aspects of his life that made the art form more accessible. This approach aimed to widen his audience beyond traditional venues, fostering a direct connection with viewers and promoting 's relevance in a digital age by blending artistry with transparency. In his performances, Simkin innovates by blending technique with contemporary and digital elements, creating immersive experiences that expand the medium's boundaries. In the 2017 production Falls the Shadow at the Guggenheim Museum, he collaborated with projections from cameras that captured dancers' movements, generating shimmering shadows and elastic auras displayed on the rotunda walls, thus integrating live with and architecture. Similarly, in the 2024 one, choreographed by David Dawson, Simkin merges classical lines with sci-fi-inspired digital , optimizing visual perspectives to enhance emotional empathy in ways not possible on stage. Post-2020, Simkin has advocated for ballet's evolution through film and virtual formats, emphasizing creations designed specifically for the screen rather than mere recordings of live shows. He highlights film's ability to shift viewpoints and allow direct viewer engagement, such as gazing into the camera, to make dance more intimate and enduring amid short career spans. Through initiatives like Studio Simkin, launched in 2021, he promotes collaborations that adapt for , arguing for concise formats suited to modern attention spans while preserving artistic depth. Simkin influences younger dancers through masterclasses that emphasize innovative techniques, sharing specialized expertise to refine skills like jumps and turns. His Dance Masterclass series focuses on targeted areas, such as pirouettes, with pro-level tips and exercises to increase technical proficiency and encourage creative application. By making these resources accessible online for students of all levels, Simkin inspires the next generation to push ballet's boundaries with a blend of precision and experimentation.

Awards and honors

International competition victories

Daniil Simkin's early career was marked by exceptional success in international competitions, where he demonstrated prodigious talent from a young age. Beginning competitions at age 12 while balancing high school studies in , he participated in ten international events during the and , securing first-place victories in nine of them. These achievements, built on rigorous training under his parents—both former dancers—propelled him into professional ranks. Simkin's victories included first prizes at the International Ballet Competition in St. Pölten (2000), (2001), and the Arabesque Competition in Perm (2003). Among his notable youth wins was the first prize and in the junior category at the 21st Varna International Ballet Competition in 2004, a prestigious event often called the "Olympics of ," followed by the Grand Prix at the Fifth International Ballet Competition in that same year. The following year, at age 16 (actually 17-18), he claimed the Gloria Grand Prix at the International Ballet Competition in , further solidifying his reputation as a rising star. In 2006, Simkin achieved a career-defining triumph by winning the in the senior men's division at the USA International Ballet Competition in , where his technical precision and artistry captivated judges and audiences alike. These competition triumphs had a direct impact on Simkin's professional trajectory, particularly his at Jackson in 2006, which led to an immediate contract as a demi-soloist with the Ballet later that year. The visibility and endorsements from such wins opened doors to international engagements and established him as one of the most promising male dancers of his generation.
YearCompetitionAchievement
2000International Competition, St. Pölten (Junior)First Prize
2001International Competition, (Junior)First Prize
2003Arabesque International Competition, Perm (Senior)First Prize
2004Varna International Competition (Junior)First Prize and
2004International Competition, Grand Prix
2005 International CompetitionGloria Grand Prix
2006USA International Competition (Senior Men), Jackson

Professional recognitions

In 2012, Daniil Simkin was promoted to at , recognizing his exceptional artistry and technical prowess following his tenure as a soloist since 2008. Six years later, in 2018, Simkin joined Staatsballett as a , a role he maintained alongside his ABT position to broaden his classical and contemporary repertoire. Simkin's creative ventures have also garnered acclaim, notably with the 2021 dance film Diorama, co-starring , which won the award for Best Screendance under 10 minutes at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Simkin has been highlighted in leading publications for his boundary-pushing approaches to presentation and digital innovation, including a 2011 cover feature in Pointe Magazine that explored his unconventional path and a 2024 Dance Magazine profile on his production work. His status as a sought-after guest artist further affirms his professional stature, evidenced by invitations to high-profile engagements such as the Ballet's Casse-Noisette in early 2025 and the Gala at that same year, where he performed as an international guest star.

References

  1. https://www.operasofia.bg/en/staff/daniil-simkin
  2. https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10527852
  3. https://simk.in/life/
  4. https://www.nationalopera.gr/en/syntelestes/item/4777-daniil-simkin
  5. https://www.abt.org/daniil-simkin-promoted-to-principal-dancer-with-abt/
  6. https://www.abt.org/guest-artists-daniil-simkin-and-daniel-camargo/
  7. https://www.abt.org/daniil-simkin-to-join-staatsballett-berlin-at-start-of-the-2018-2019-seasonsimkin-to-continue-appearances-with-abt/
  8. https://www.facebook.com/daniilsimkin/posts/1340230120794165
  9. https://pointemagazine.com/daniil-simkin-one/
  10. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/culture/2009-12-31/ty-article/he-cant-deny-his-gift/0000017f-eb5c-d0f7-a9ff-efddd70a0000
  11. https://www.abt.org/daniil-simkin-to-join-american-ballet-theatre-as-soloist/
  12. https://pointemagazine.com/issuesjunejuly-2011world-daniil-simkin/
  13. https://varna-ibc.org/history/twenty-first-international-ballet-competition-varna-2004/
  14. https://ibchelsinki.fi/en/history/kilpailun-voittajat-1984/
  15. https://www.pollinodanza.it/team-member/daniil-simkin/?lang=en
  16. https://www.danzaballet.com/daniil-simkin-principal-dancer-with-american-ballet-theatre/
  17. https://rogueballerina.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/guest-artist-spotlight-daniil-simkin/
  18. https://4dancers.org/2015/06/dancer-profile-daniil-simkin/
  19. https://www.abt.org/daniil-simkin-whipped-cream-fall-2022/
  20. https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/american-ballet-theater-dancer-daniil-simkin-promoted-to-principal/
  21. https://criticaldance.org/american-ballet-theatre-isabella-boylston-and-daniil-simkin-in-swan-lake/
  22. https://www.abt.org/ballet/the-sleeping-beauty/
  23. https://dancetabs.com/2015/05/american-ballet-theatre-75th-anniversary-gala-new-york/
  24. https://www.abt.org/abt-2019-spring-season-announced/
  25. https://theballetbag.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/an-interview-with-daniil-simkin/
  26. https://dancemagazine.com/daniil-simkin-staatsballett-berlin-principal-dancer/
  27. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/arts/dance/daniil-simkin-joins-staatsballett-berlin.html
  28. https://pointemagazine.com/staatsballett-berlin-giselle/
  29. https://dancemagazine.com/dance-news-note-may-2023/
  30. https://pointemagazine.com/dance-masterclass/
  31. https://www.instagram.com/daniil/
  32. https://www.northrop.umn.edu/events/metropolitan-ballet-giselle-2024
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF7Gjm5FAuQ
  34. https://www.michal-krcmar.cz/en/articles/articles--reports--reviews/tbilisi-ballet-festival-2024.html
  35. https://www.nbs.or.jp/english/stages/2025/bj-nutcracker/
  36. https://www.nbs.or.jp/english/news/cast-change-the-tokyo-ballets-casse-noisette.html
  37. https://www.gramilano.com/2024/12/review-les-etoiles-gala-milan/
  38. https://www.facebook.com/daniilsimkin/
  39. https://www.gramilano.com/2024/11/interview-daniil-simkin/
  40. https://www.guggenheim.org/press-release/works__process_announces_fall_2025_season
  41. https://simk.in/
  42. https://pointemagazine.com/daniil-simkin-intensio/
  43. https://www.joyce.org/daniil-simkin-s-intensio-ql7t
  44. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/03/arts/dance/daniil-simkins-intensio-has-its-new-york-debut.html
  45. https://www.guggenheim.org/press-release/2017-guggenheim-international-gala-honors-visionary-artists-and-arts-patrons
  46. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/arts/dance/daniil-simkin-guggenheim-falls-the-shadow.html
  47. https://ny.curbed.com/2017/8/15/16152724/guggenheim-museum-daniil-simkin-works-process
  48. https://sfdancefilmfest.org/encore-short/2021-encore-short/ballet/diorama-2/
  49. https://dancemagazine.com/friday-film-break/daniil-simkin-maria-kochetkova/
  50. https://marthagraham.org/portfolio-items/cave-2022/
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYmTIQQ8CGc
  52. https://www.filmlinc.org/daily/announcing-52nd-dance-on-camera-festival-lineup-taking-place-feb-9-12/
  53. https://pointemagazine.com/dance-on-camera-festival/
  54. https://www.facebook.com/nucleodedanca.carolinacox/videos/daniil-simkin-and-iana-salenko-in-swan-lake-rehearsal-choreography-by-patrice-ba/522841676729985/
  55. https://www.facebook.com/daniilsimkin/videos/la-bayad%25C3%25A8re-with-the-staatsballett-berlin-at-the-staatsoper-on-september-12-2019/388039555442990/
  56. https://www.abt.org/ballet/whipped-cream/
  57. https://pointemagazine.com/abts-daniil-simkin-to-join-staatsballett-berlin/
  58. https://criticaldance.org/american-ballet-theatre-don-quixote-2/
  59. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/arts/dance/review-sleeping-beauty-american-ballet-theater-ratmansk-metropolitan-opera.html
  60. https://www.seeingdance.com/ballet-icons-gala-230221/
  61. https://www.danceusa.org/ejournal/2012/02/23/from-the-sun-king-to-twitter-ballet-branding-then-and-now
  62. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/30/arts/dance/daniil-simkin-standing-out-reaching-out.html
  63. https://www.usaibc.com/performer/daniil-simkin/
  64. https://pointemagazine.com/daniil-simkin-pointe-cover/
  65. https://dancemagazine.com/friday-film-break/daniil-simkins-one/
  66. https://www.nbs.or.jp/english/stages/2025/bj-nutcracker/top.html
  67. https://www.lincolncenter.org/venue/alice-tully-hall/yagp-2025-gala-330
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