Daniel Rubin’s journey isn’t just a story of talent, it’s an entire narrative of dedication and self-discovery. As a Laurel Springs alumnus whose passion for ballet has carried him from early beginnings in California to the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia, and now a company artist at Boston Ballet, Daniel’s path is rich with passion and determination.

“I’ve been dancing since I can remember,” Daniel shared. “Dance gave me a golden feeling – a space to find myself.” His dance career bloomed after graduating from Laurel Springs in 2014. He first joined the Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg in the corps de ballet – ascending to soloist in 2018, and then to leading soloist in 2020, portraying notable roles like Tchaikovsky, Molière, Lensky, Treplev, Alexei Karamazov, and Hamlet. Today, he is not only the covetable second soloist for Boston Ballet, but also a choreographer, teacher, leader, graduate student, reader, and advocate for staying true to yourself.

Balancing Professional Ballet and Academic Aspirations
Daniel’s educational journey is a testament to the adaptability and resilience required to balance a professional ballet career with academic ambitions. His path to online education began his freshman year at Kirov Academy in Washington D.C., where academics were offered in-house. Although he appreciated the combined curriculum, he found balancing the demands of ballet training with academics increasingly challenging. Seeking a more flexible solution for his sophomore year, Daniel transitioned to a smaller studio and enrolled in Laurel Springs School.

“When it became clear that I couldn’t pursue ballet professionally and go to ‘normal’ high school, my family and I turned to Laurel Springs,” Daniel recalled. “I’m so fortunate that I was able to finish high school and not compromise on my education while pursuing a career in ballet. I feel that oftentimes, dancers have to sacrifice absolutely everything for a chance to dance. At Laurel Springs, this wasn’t the case for me.”

His transition to Laurel Springs proved pivotal. Not only did it allow Daniel to continue ballet training in Russia during his junior and senior years, but it also enabled him to pursue an American high school education simultaneously. This dual academic path was rare, as Daniel mentioned, “Many students in Russia do not complete their GED. American education was a huge opportunity for me.” At Laurel Springs, Daniel found a way to avoid the all-too-common sacrifice many dancers make – forgoing education for their art, or vice versa. He immersed himself in courses that fed his intellectual curiosity, particularly loving literature, philosophy, psychology, and an AP Art History class that left a lasting impact on him. “I’ll never forget that class. It really gave me a basis for my love of the arts.”

Despite the logistical challenges of studying while abroad and managing a demanding ballet schedule, Daniel successfully navigated his coursework, sometimes extending deadlines but always completing his classes. As a result, he stands out as one of the few Americans who completed both an American high school education and the Russian academic program at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy – a remarkable feat that illustrates his commitment to his aspirations and desire to achieve excellence in every aspect of his life.

Life Beyond the Stage
Daniel’s love for learning doesn’t stop at ballet. After graduating from Bolshoi Ballet School in 2015, Daniel took two years off to focus on his dance career. In 2017, he started community college at De Anza College, where he majored in Business Administration; and two years later, he transferred to Saint Mary’s College of California to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts. As part of the LEAP program, he was able to integrate his professional dance experience with core curriculum classes, earning his degree summa cum laude in 2023.

This past July, Daniel began pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Global Studies and International Relations at Northeastern University. “I’m very fortunate that as a dancer at Boston Ballet, I have access to a significant scholarship at Northeastern University.” Recently, he’s also participated in the Crossover into Business program at Harvard Business School, where he learned about the business side of the sports and entertainment industry.

Daniel’s passion for Global Studies, International Relations, and Business stems from his desire to understand different perspectives and why the world is the way it is. To him, education provides a lens through which we can view the world differently and gain a deeper understanding of other people’s experiences. This only further demonstrates Daniel’s sincere desire to connect with people, keep an open mind, and navigate through life with a curious heart.

Embracing What’s Ahead, and a Message for Aspiring Dancers and Students
Embarking on his second season with Boston Ballet, Daniel’s journey continues to evolve. Despite a recent setback with a broken 5th metatarsal, Daniel still has a smile on his face, and has a spirit of optimism! He’s currently utilizing the time off stage to focus on his studies at Northeastern University and delve into choreography, a realm where he has already made significant strides, notably at the Osipova Ballet Academy. His summer was full of creative projects, including the production of 11 pieces for the academy and fostering the growth of young dancers, a role he finds immensely fulfilling.

Daniel’s accolades, including the prestigious “Golden Spotlight” award for his role in “The Seagull: A Ballet Story” and his contribution to the St. Petersburg State Prize in Culture and Fine Art, mirror his dedication to his passion. His participation as a guest artist at the Benois de la Danse competition’s 30th Anniversary Gala further emphasizes his standing in the ballet world.

Reflecting on his achievements, Daniel believes fervently that “the best is yet to come!” His forward-looking attitude and unwavering commitment to growth embody the mindset he hopes aspiring dancers and students lean into. His advice is rooted in the discipline and adaptability he honed at Laurel Springs School, qualities that have propelled him through his academic journey and sustained his artistic endeavors. For those dreaming of a career in dance or any field requiring a blend of passion and perseverance, Daniel advises to “just keep showing up – no matter the difficulties. Really trust yourself, trust your gut.” His story colorfully showcases that with dedication and a willingness to adapt, every challenge can become a stepping stone to the next accomplishment.

Staying Connected
To follow along on Daniel Rubin’s journey, you can find him on Instagram at @danrubin06. He’s also active on Laurel Springs’ Alumni Connect platform – a networking space for Laurel Springs graduates – where he hopes to serve as support for other aspiring dancers and artists in any way he can.

To learn more about Laurel Springs and the flexible, personalized programming offered, please join us for a virtual open house or contact an admissions coordinator. We would love to introduce you and your student to our programming, and demonstrate how our tailored learning approach can benefit your child’s journey.

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