Dancer Spotlight: Daniil Kukuevskii
At just 19 years old, Daniil Kukuevskii is already a name to watch in the ballroom world. Born and raised in Russia, Daniil has carved out a competitive dance career that spans multiple countries, disciplines, and championship titles — all before turning 20. Now based in Los Angeles and training at Brooklyn DanceSport Club, he brings a distinct combination of discipline, artistry, and international experience to the American ballroom scene.
A childhood built on movement
Born January 1, 2005, Daniil Kukuevskii is a Russian ballroom dancer renowned for his international achievements in competitive latin dancing. With a career that began in early childhood and matured through rigorous training in Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, Daniil is recognized for his extraordinary ability in the performing arts.
Early Life and Education
Daniil was born in Orel, Russia, where he began his dance journey at the age of four. In 2009 he enrolled in the “Inspiration” dance club, quickly making a name for himself by winning local citywide competitions. A multi-talented child, Daniil also explored other disciplines including boxing and judo where he earned first places in Oryol Oblast championships.
Rising Through the Ranks in Europe
Daniil's professional ballroom dance career gained significant traction when he became a member of the "Starlight" dance club in Bryansk, Russia. From 2015-2018, Daniil received the title of Vice-Champion at several prestigious international competitions such as the WDC AL (World Dance Council Amateur League) Open World Championships, the WDC AL European Championships, and the UK International Dance Festival. Daniil’s unique style, stage presence, and technical execution distinguished him as a rising star in the global competitive dance scene.
In order to further polish his craft, Daniil left Russia to join the “Respect Dance Hall” in Kharkov, Ukraine, where he continued to dominate national and international competitions. His consistent placements as champion and finalist on the world stage solidified his reputation across borders.
Academic and Artistic Growth in Moscow
From 2021 to 2023, Daniil pursued a higher education at the Moscow State Pedagogical University. This phase of his life allowed him to integrate pedagogical theory with performance excellence, enhancing his ability to coach and perform at an elite level.
A new chapter in the us
In 2023 Daniil relocated to Los Angeles, California where he continues his career in professional ballroom dancing. Training at the prestigious bi-coastal Brooklyn DanceSport Club, he is now immersed in the U.S. dance community while contributing his international experience and distinct Eastern European discipline to the American stage. After 2 years of competing across the United States, Daniil has secured his position as a medalist and finalist of all the major U.S. competitions (New York Dance Festival, Emerald Ball, Manhattan Dance Championships, California Open, Desert Classic, Holiday Dance Classic).
Legacy and Impact
Despite his young age, Daniil’s dedication to ballroom dancing has already left a lasting impression. From national competitions in Russia to international championship finals across the world, he exemplifies the power of passion, resilience, and ambition.
Where He’s Headed
It’s rare to find someone so young with such a seasoned sense of purpose. Daniil continues to train, compete, and evolve, bringing not just technique but a mature artistic perspective to everything he does. Whether he's on the floor or in the studio, his work ethic and passion are clear — and we’re excited to be part of his journey.