SERGEI UPKIN

Principal Dancer · Ballet Master · Artistic Director

Sergei Upkin is one of Estonia’s most celebrated ballet artists, known for his expressive technique, dramatic range, and charismatic stage presence. A graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg (1999), he has been a principal dancer with the Estonian National Ballet for over two decades, with a guest period at Staatsballett Berlin under Vladimir Malakhov.

His repertoire spans the great romantic and classical roles—Romeo, Des Grieux, Prince Désiré, and Franz—as well as striking contemporary characters, including Mitch in A Streetcar Named Desire and Iason in Medea. Upkin has performed as a guest soloist in renowned theatres in Helsinki, Bucharest, Belgrade, and beyond.

A laureate of numerous international competitions, including Arabesque, Premio Roma, and Helsinki, Upkin has also been honored with Estonia’s top theatre and dance awards. Beyond the stage, he is a dedicated mentor and choreographer, having created original works and coached emerging talents through projects like the International Ballet Summer Workshop Estonia.

As he transitions from center stage to guiding the next generation, Sergei Upkin continues to shape the art form with the same passion and elegance that defined his remarkable performance career.