03/07/2026
Ulziisaikhan Davaadorj (1968–2026)
Ulziisaikhan Davaadorj was born on January 29, 1968, in Bayankhongor Province as the eldest son of Sh. Davaadorj. From a young age he showed a deep love for the arts. Between 1975 and 1979 he attended Secondary School No. 2 in Bayankhongor Province, and later, from 1979 to 1984, he graduated from the Dance Department of the Music and Dance College.
From 1984 to 1989, he worked as a principal dancer at the Youth Theater in Darkhan City, where he gained valuable stage experience. To further deepen his artistic education, he studied at the Leningrad (Mariinsky) Conservatory in St. Petersburg, Russia. Under the guidance of the renowned choreographer Igor Belsky, he received professional training in classical ballet, modern, jazz, and character dance, and graduated with a specialization as a ballet master and director.
After returning to Mongolia, he worked as a ballet master at the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. During this time, he created and staged his early original works such as Hamlet (1991) and Four Strings (1993). He also restaged The Rite of Spring (1994), bringing a renewed interpretation to the stage, for which he received the “Goo Maral” Award.
In 1996, he moved to the United States, where his artistic career continued on an international level. He worked as a teacher at River Ballet in New Jersey and was later appointed Artistic Director, where he choreographed works such as Wolves (1999). He also performed with the National Ballet of New Jersey and taught at several ballet schools, dedicating himself to training and mentoring young dancers.
In 2010, together with his wife Tuya Tumennasan, he founded the Sterling Ballet Academy in Sterling, Virginia. Through the academy, he shared his extensive international experience in choreography and stage arts while inspiring and nurturing a new generation of dancers.
Ulziisaikhan devoted his life to the art of dance, generously passing on his international knowledge and experience to younger generations. He was a talented choreographer and teacher who dedicated his life to the arts. His work and creative legacy will leave a profound mark on his students, colleagues, and the artistic community.
Mr. Ulzii was a loving husband and father to Tuya, Anita and Ari. He will forever be part of Sterling Ballet Academy as his family will continue to carry on his legacy.
His memory, creative spirit, and valuable contributions to the art of dance will be honored and remembered for generations to come.
