Life as an Artist

Duru Mertgil who is the founder of DM Dance and Performing Arts was born on 2nd of July, 1993 in Istanbul. Her professional education started in 2003 at Istanbul University State Conservatory. After her first year as a part-time student, she passed conservatory auditions and granted a full-time studentship. In her second year at conservatory, Duru also joined Istanbul State Opera and Ballet's Children Company as a full-time dancer, actively performed in various children productions and conservatory ballets as soloist or in corps de ballet. This phase of her career lasted until she started her bachelor's degree in Istanbul University State Conservatory. During her years in university, Duru Mertgil was working as a ballet tutor in different arts and dance schools, practicing ballet to children aged between 4-11. She graduated from university in 2015 and received an invitation in the same year to join Samsun State Opera and Ballet company. She was an active member of the company for four consecutive years as a contracted dancer, appearing on stage in various roles as a demi-soloist or soloist. She also continued her role as a tutor for two years in the Samsun State Opera and Ballet's children company. In 2020, she joined Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Company, also continued to work as a tutor to children in different art and dance schools. In 2021, Duru Mertgil moved to London for planning the future of her career both as a tutor and a professional dancer.