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Viktor Kabaniaev

Viktor Kabaniaev was trained at the famed Vaganova School in St. Petersburg, Russia. He has worked as a principal dancer in various ballet companies in the former Soviet Union, including Leningrad State Ballet Theatre under the directorship of Mr. Boris Eifman, the Jacobson Foundation and the Russian Ballet. Since first appearing with the Diablo Ballet in September of 1996, he performed many roles, including George Balanchine’s Tarantella Pas de Deux. In 2004, Mr. Kabaniaev won first prize in the “Third International Serge Diaghilev Competition of Choreographic Art” in Gyndia, Poland. In 2005, he won first prize in both the pre-professional and professional divisions at the “Dance Under the Stars Competition” in Palm Desert, California. Mr. Kabaniaev has created two world premieres for Cincinnati Ballet and served as a coach at the 2006 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Kabaniaev recently received top honors at the New American Talent/Dance competition and has choreographed eight world premiers for the Diablo Ballet and directs Diablo Ballet’s Apprentice Program along with Tina Kay Bohnstedt. A recent SF Chronicle review of Kabaniaev’s work stated, “…he has a knack for inventing dance that is fresh and exciting. This is a choreographer to watch.”