Born in Fairbanks, AK, and raised in San Diego, CA, Marshall was a nationally ranked ice hockey player by the age of 11. At 13, he began formal ballet training at the San Diego Academy of Ballet, under Sylvia and Max Tchernychev, and later continued at the Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy. At 16, he accepted a scholarship to train under Kee Juan Han at the Washington School of Ballet in D.C, and was quickly promoted to the Washington Ballet Studio Company.
While with TWB he performed in The Nutcracker, Dracula (Michael Pink), Hemingway: The Sun also Rises & Sleepy Hollow (both Septime Webre), Blue until June (Trey McIntyre), Green Eggs and Ham (David Palmer), and much more.
At the age of 20 Marshall had the opportunity to audition for American Ballet Theater and was fortunate to be accepted as an apprentice in 2014 and corps de ballet member in 2015. While with the company Marshall performed roles in most major classics, such as Giselle, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, La Fille mal Garde, Firebird, and also new works such as Songs of Bukovina, Whipped Cream, the Seasons, and more.
In 2020 Marshall moved back to the west coast to be closer to his immediate family, and currently works around San Diego under various contracts teaching, creating, and performing. 22-23 marked his first season with the San Diego Ballet, where he performed a wide range of roles in a variety of styles. He looks forward to whatever comes next.
- What ignited your passion for dance?
My mom forcing me into it.
- What inspired you to pursue a professional career in dance?
Travel.
- What is your favorite thing about being a dancer?
Being in touch with my body on a regular basis.
- What is your biggest dream for your dance career?
To one day, pointe my feet.
- When you’re not pirouetting and perfecting your pliés, what brings you joy?
Beat making. Rapping. Usually about the ballet grind.
- What is the most transformative experience you’ve had as a dancer?
Watching both my body and mind change shape over the years.
- What is your favorite ballet?
The one that moves you most.
- What is your favorite role you have performed at San Diego Ballet and what is a role you would like to perform in the future?
I loved dancing Sheer Khan (the Tiger) from Jungle Book, as well as our Jazz ballet Eight to the Barre & Opus Swing.
- What is your favorite local spot in San Diego?
Maritza’s Mexican Food. 3 generations have run the shop. Consistently superior quality.