The Origins
Murat Ushanov was born on February 25, 1997 in Ufa, Russia — the same city that gave birth to the legendary Rudolf Nureyev.
He grew up surrounded by the art of ballet: his earliest memories unfold among rehearsal halls and backstage areas, where movement and music were part of everyday life.
His grandmother, Zuhra Ilyasova, was a renowned prima ballerina who studied at the Vaganova Academy under the guidance of Feya Balabina, a direct disciple of Agrippina Vaganova. From his earliest childhood, Zuhra taught him classical dance, making Murat a direct heir of the pedagogical lineage of the Vaganova Methodology.
Throughout her career, Zuhra Ilyasova performed as prima ballerina in numerous theaters, toured internationally, and was recognized as a National Artist and Honored Artist of Russia. Her legacy, technique and passion were fully passed on to her grandson.
His grandfather, Yulai Ushanov, was also a principal dancer in several theaters, performing iconic roles such as Siegfried (Swan Lake), Basilio (Don Quixote), The Prince (Sleeping Beauty) and Albert (Giselle), among many others.
Murat's parents continued that tradition: both were ballet artists in the city of Ufa, solidifying a family legacy where dance is not just a profession, but a destiny.
Education
2011 - 2016
Vaganova Academy
He trained in classical dance, pas de deux, acting, modern dance, character dance and historical dance.
During his studies he participated in productions at Russia's most emblematic stages, including the Mariinsky Theatre, the Bolshoi and the Mikhailovsky Theatre, performing in works such as La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Laurencia and Hungarian Rhapsody, among others.
His talent led him on national and international tours, including performances in more than ten cities across Japan.
In 2016 he graduated with honors, consolidating an artistic formation based on technical excellence and the tradition of the Russian ballet school.
2018 - 2022
Faculty of Pedagogy
Vaganova Academy
In 2018, Murat Ushanov entered the Faculty of Pedagogy at the Vaganova Academy, where he deepened his comprehensive study of the art of ballet.
During his training, he was invited by the Academy's administration to conduct a teaching internship in second and fourth-year male dance classes, where he stood out for his didactic approach and his students' progress.
His preparation encompassed the teaching of classical dance, pas de deux, character dance, historical dance and acting, as well as studies in ballet history, music, theater and performing arts management.
In 2022 he graduated with honors, consolidating his vocation as a teacher and his commitment to the pedagogical excellence of the Vaganova methodology.
Career at the Mariinsky Theatre
After graduating from the Vaganova Academy, Murat Ushanov was invited to join the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg.
During his career with the company he participated in more than 50 productions and over 200 roles, performing both principal and classical repertoire parts.
Among his notable roles are: Autumn (Cinderella), The Young Man (The Four Seasons), Jester (Romeo and Juliet), Faun (The Awakening of Flora) and Friend (The Prodigal Son).
He was part of major international repertoire titles such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle, La Bayadère, Raymonda, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Carmen-Suite, among many others.
With the Mariinsky he toured internationally through Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, among other countries, consolidating his career as an interpreter of the Russian classical tradition.
In 2021, a back injury requiring surgery marked the end of his career as a dancer, giving rise to a new vocation: teaching.