“As a world-renowned ballet dancer and choreographer, George Birkadze brings grace and power to the stage with every move. The same can be said of his second pursuit: mixed martial arts.

With black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo and Kyokushin karate, Birkadze bridges the worlds of martial arts and ballet to prove that all dancers are fighters, and all fighters are dancers.

video and text by Great Big Story

“I am known for my uncommon marriage of passions, classical dance and martial arts. What people don’t often think about or recognize is how similar they really are. They both take true dedication, physical coordination and agility, determination, and self-control.“

George Berkadze, Interview with Boston Voyager