Daniel R. Durrett started dancing at age 5 at Dr. Lyrica Joy Ministries Ballet School, then trained at UpTown Arts for two years. Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director Victoria Morgan offered Durrett a full scholarship to continue his training at the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy. In 2013 Durrett competed in the Youth America Grand Prix semi-finals and won 1st place in Classical and 2nd place in Contemporary. He advanced to the YAGP New York City Finals where he received an invitation to attend Houston Ballet’s summer course. During the summer intensive, Durrett was invited to join Houston Ballet’s Second Company (HBII).
While in Houston Ballet II, Durrett performed in Stanton Welch’s Brigade, The Long and Winding Road, Swan Lake, La Bayadère, and Blue; Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty; Ma Cong’s Calling; Garrett Smith’s Mortal Form; as well as the principal role in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante. Durrett received the Gold medal in the Pre Professional Division of the Indianapolis International Ballet Competition in June 2015 and went on to join Houston Ballet as an Apprentice in November 2015. Durrett was promoted to Corps de Ballet in July 2016 and went on to perform additional notable works by Ben Stevenson, Stanton Welch, Justin Peck & Alexander Ekman.
Durrett joined Boston Ballet as an Artist in 2017 and was promoted to Second Soloist in 2022. His recent repertoire at Boston Ballet includes George Balanchine’s Agon and Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2; John Cranko’s Romeo & Juliet (Benvolio); William Forsythe’s Blake Works I, Playlist (EP), Pas/Parts 2018, and In the Middle Somewhat Elevated; Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free (1st Sailor); Justin Peck’s In Creases; Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker (Lead Russian).
Photography: Liza Voll
