Artur Sultanov and Alison Roper in OBT’s production of
Christopher Stowell’s Swan Lake/Photo by James McGrew

Artur Sultanov, Artistic Director

Mr. Sultanov was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia. He trained at Vaganova Ballet Academy and at age 17, joined the Kirov ballet where he danced a classical repertoire. Artur has also performed with Eifman Ballet as a Soloist. In 2000 he moved to San Francisco to join Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet. There, he worked closely with Mr. King on creating original contemporary ballets. In 2003 Artur joined Oregon Ballet Theatre. His principal roles at OBT include the Prince in Swan Lake, Ivan in Firebird, and the Cavalier in the Nutcracker, among others. Artur was a guest artist with Trey McIntyre Project, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and California Ballet Company where he performed the role of Romeo in their version of Romeo and Juliet. He has been featured on OPB as an emerging artist in Portland (http://www.opb.org/programs/artbeat/segments/view/200). Mr. Sultanov has worked and performed with a tribe of pigmies from Central Africa in the project called “People of the Forest”. He has appeared at numerous festivals such as the Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, the Chicago Dancing Festival and Fall For Arts- the most prestigious festival of contemporary dance in New York City. Mr. Sultanov has performed on the stages of the Metropolitan Opera House, Kennedy Center, Bolshoi Ballet Theatre, and the Mariisnky Theatre in his native city of St. Petersburg. In addition to being an accomplished dancer, Mr. Sultanov has also taught extensively throughout his professional career. In the past eight years, Mr. Sultanov has taught and choreographed for the school of Oregon Ballet Theatre and Lines Contemporary Ballet School of San Francisco. His vast experience also includes holding master workshops in the Portland Metro Area, Seaside, OR, Vancouver and Tacoma, Washington. Artur Sultanov is excited to be a part of the Portland dance community and is looking forward to inspiring a new generation of dancers. Artur will continue to dance with the Oregon Ballet Theatre while simultaneously directing and teaching at his new ballet academy.

Cynthia Sultanov, Administrative Director/Instructor

Mrs. Sultanov grew up in San Francisco, Ca. She began her ballet training at City Ballet School of S.F. with current Oregon Ballet Theatre School Director, Damara Bennet. She studied at CBS from the age of 9 until she was 16. Under Ms. Bennet’s guidance, Mrs. Sultanov performed in such notable ballets as Concerto Barocco, Serenade and Les Sylphides. Mrs. Sultanov holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Her most recent professional work experience includes patient advocacy at Portland Adventist Medical Center. As a Patient Advocate, Mrs. Sultanov worked directly with uninsured and under served patients to obtain medicaid and/or disability benefits. She has also worked at Morrison Child and Family Services with at risk, disadvantaged youth and has volunteered at various social services agencies throughout the Portland area. In the Summer of 2009, Cynthia and Artur Sultanov welcomed their first child, Shane, into the world.