07/30/2026
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Sergey Kozadayev.
In 1998, Sergey joined Salt Creek Ballet as Co-Artistic Director. A graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg, he became a Principal Dancer with the Saint Petersburg State Ballet before serving as Ballet Master with Colorado Ballet.
Over the next 22 years, Sergey helped shape Salt Creek Ballet through his artistry, leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Together with his fellow Co-Artistic Director, Sergey expanded Salt Creek Ballet’s repertoire with full-length productions including La Sylphide, The Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle. He also brought new works to the stage, including Alice in Wonderland and Black Sea Suite.
As a gifted teacher and mentor, he inspired generations of dancers, sharing not only exceptional technical knowledge but also a deep love and respect for the art of ballet.
A message from Salt Creek Ballet Board President Judy Sipek:
“There are so many different ways to describe the kind of man Sergey was. To me, he was a passionate, feisty, larger-than-life grandfather figure who taught me so much about the ballet world and about life in general.
His devotion to the art of ballet was at the heart of his teaching career. As a 10-year-old girl who had just moved to the ‘big’ city from Central Illinois, there was nothing more intimidating than Sergey. That feeling disappeared the instant you took his class or sat in a rehearsal and watched him work. Then you felt his love for teaching, his love for passing along this beautiful art form, and his love for nurturing the next generation of dancers.
He was a tough teacher, and I am grateful for every correction and every note. His guidance became the foundation of my ballet career, and to this day, his wisdom continues to shape my life.
I can truly say I would not be the person I am today without Sergey’s guidance. I know I cannot speak for all of his former dancers, but the ones I know will forever be grateful for his guidance and the big jumps he gave us. Rest in peace, Sergey. You are already greatly missed”.
Forever part of the SCB family.
