Marcus Pei is a dancer from Iowa City, IA in his second season with Ballet Quad Cities. Marcus started his ballet training at age 6, taking classes at the University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Nolte Academy. From 2010 to 2011, Marcus performed the lead role of Billy in the first National Tour of Billy Elliot the Musical. He also attended Canada’s National Ballet School for 6 years, graduating in 2015. Highlights during Marcus’ time at the National Ballet School include dancing in Aszure Barton’s Come In at the Holland Dance Festival, John Neumeier’s Yondering in Hamburg, Germany, and attending summer programs in Houston and Stuttgart. For the 2016-2017 season, Marcus danced with Ballett am Rhein in Düsseldorf, Germany. Returning to Iowa City, Marcus completed dual bachelor’s degrees (‘22, ‘23) at the University of Iowa. During his undergraduate studies he had the pleasure of working with Eloy Barragan in ballet and contemporary dance. He also performed in the Iowa Dance Festival, danced pieces by Shannon Alvis and Michael Sakamoto in U of I’s Dance Gala, and performed in works by Marc Macaranas and Sarah Olson. This past season with Ballet Quad Cities, Marcus originated the role of Brom Bones in The Headless Horseman, choreographed by Emily Kate Long, and performed the roles of Cavalier in The Nutcracker and Billy in Billy the Kid, choreographed by Courtney Lyon. Marcus is looking forward to another exciting season with Ballet Quad Cities.