With love and sadness we announce the passing of our beloved ballet pianist, Mara Dukor. For twenty-five years she filled our studios with beautiful music, and helped us educate the thousands of students who have grown up at Ballet Chicago. Mara’s music reflected her innate musical genius, her long experience as a world-class master ballet pianist, and her warmth of spirit. From her days as principal pianist for the Maryinsky Center and Vaganova School where she played for Pushkin and Baryshnikov, to her two and a half decades at Ballet Chicago, Mara’s perseverance and faithful service have been a peerless, historic example for the entire profession. She truly lived to play each and every class, each and every day, in support of young artists. Our students, faculty, and staff all loved Mara – she was an integral part of the fabric of Ballet Chicago, and she will be deeply missed.

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In honor of her artistry, Ballet Chicago dedicated its 2017 Nutcracker season to Mara.

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Per Mara’s wishes, donations in her honor may be made by sending a contribution to Ballet Chicago.