Mr. Alimbetov is originally from Kazakhstan and received his early dance training at the State Choreographic Academy of Almaty, Kazakhstan.  After graduating with honors in 1998, he joined the Ballet of the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Almaty.  In 2001, he became a Principal Dancer with Moscow City Ballet where he danced lead roles in numerous ballets including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote.  Prior to joining Ballet Tucson, Mr. Alimbetov was a Principal Dancer with San Diego Ballet (2002 – 2009) and has done guest performances with many ballet companies throughout the United States.