He began his professional career with the Kirov Ballet in his native country, Russia. He was principal dancer with the National Ballet of Bulgaria in Sofia for 10 years and he also danced with the Ballet of Flandres. His exceptional work as guest artist and ballet master reaches prominent institutions and companies in France, Belgium, Japan, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria and Germany. Mr. Imaev is a member of the Jury at Youth America Grand Prix and regularly appears as a guest teacher at many national and international ballet intensive training programs.