Was this great dancer a star of the Soviet ballet? Esambaev Makhmud Alisultanovich.

The art of dance is a unique form of expression that uses a universal body language that everyone can understand. From ballet to modern dance, from hip-hop to salsa and from oriental dance to flamenco, dance has recently become an indulgence that is something of a renaissance.

But when it comes to individual dancers, who has the best moves? The best posture, strength and sharpness? Below are ten of the greatest dancers of the twentieth century - selected for their fame, popularity and influence on the world art of dance.

10. Vaslav Nijinsky

Vaslav Nijinsky was one of the most talented ballet dancers in history, perhaps even the greatest. Unfortunately, there is no clear footage of his incredible talent in motion, which is the main reason why he only ranks tenth on this list.

Nijinsky was well known for his amazing ability to defy gravity with his magnificent leaps, as well as his ability to fully inhabit the role he was playing. He is also known for dancing in pointe shoes, a skill not often seen in dancers. Nijinsky danced in the lead roles paired with the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova. Then Tamara Karsavina, founder of London's Royal Academy of Dancing, became his partner. They were described with Karsavina as “the most exemplary artists of that time.”

Nijinsky left the stage in 1919, at a relatively at a young age twenty nine years old. His retirement is believed to have been due nervous breakdown, and he was also diagnosed with schizophrenia. Nijinsky spent the last years of his life in psychiatric hospitals and shelters. The last time he danced in public was in the final days of World War II, impressing a group of Russian soldiers with his complex dance moves. Nijinsky died in London on April 8, 1950.

9. Martha Graham


Martha Graham is considered the mother of modern dance. She created the only fully codified technique of modern dance, produced over one hundred and fifty works during her life as a choreographer, and had a huge influence on all areas of modern dance.

Her technique's departure from classical ballet, and her use of specific body movements such as contraction, release and spirals, had a profound influence on the world dance art. Graham even went so far as to create a "language" of movement based on expressive capabilities human body.

She danced and choreographed for over seventy years. During this time, she became the first dancer to perform at the White House; the first dancer to travel overseas as a cultural ambassador and the first dancer to receive the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As the mother of modern dance, she will be immortalized in the memory of people for her incredibly emotional performances, her unique choreography, and especially for her homegrown dance technique.

8. Josephine Baker


Although Josephine Baker's name is primarily associated with the Jazz Age, her fiery dances still have an impact on the dance world, almost one hundred and ten years after her birth, as they always did.

Many decades before Madonna, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez, there was Josephine Baker, one of the world's first celebrities of African descent. Josephine went to Paris in 1925 to dance in La Revue Nègre. She made a lasting impression on French audiences with her perfect combination of exotic charm and talent.

The following year she performed at the Folies Bergère, and it became true beginning her career. She appeared in a banana skirt and wowed the crowd with her dancing style. She later added singing to her performances, and remained popular in France for many years. Josephine Baker responded to the adoration of the French people by becoming a French citizen herself in 1937.

In France, she did not feel the same level of racial prejudice that was present in the United States at the time. Toward the end of her life, Josephine Baker hoped to create a "world village" on her estate in France, but these plans were dashed by financial difficulties. To raise funds, she returned to the stage. Her return was short, but it was a triumph on Broadway in the 1970s, and in 1975 she opened a retrospective show in Paris. She died that year from a cerebral hemorrhage, a week after the show opened.

7. Gene Kelly


Gene Kelly was one of the biggest stars and greatest innovators during the golden age of musicals in Hollywood. Kelly considered his own style, something of a hybrid of different approaches to dance, he took his movements from modern dance, ballet, and tap.

Kelly brought dance to the theater, using every inch of his set, every possible surface, and every wide camera angle to break out of the two-dimensional confines of film. And in doing so, he changed the way filmmakers looked at their cameras. Thanks to Kelly, the camera became a living instrument, and even the dancer it was filming.

Kelly's legacy permeates the music video industry. Photographer Mike Salisbury photographed Michael Jackson for the cover of "Off The Wall" wearing "white socks and lightweight leather Gene Kelly loafers" - which have become the movie star's trademark. It was this image that after some time became his own recognizable brands singer

Paula Abdul, originally known for her dancing and choreography, referenced Kelly's famous dance with Jerry the Mouse in her kitschy video for "Opposites Attract," which ends with a tap dance. Usher was another top-selling artist who paid tribute to Kelly's legacy. There will never be another dancer like Kelly, and his influence continues to resonate through generations of American dancers.

6. Sylvie Guillem


At forty-eight years old, Sylvie Guillem continues to defy the laws of ballet and gravity. Guillem changed the face of ballet with her uncanny talents, which she always used with intelligence, integrity and sensitivity. Her natural curiosity and courage led her to the most daring paths, beyond the usual boundaries of classical ballet.

Instead of spending her entire career on "safe" performances, she made bold decisions, equally capable of singing the role of "Raymonda" at the Paris Opera, or being part of an innovative dance performance based on the work of Forsythe. In The Middle Something Elevated." Almost no other dancer has such range, so it is not at all surprising that she has become the standard for most dancers around the world. Like Maria Callas in the opera world, Guillem was able to change the popular image of the ballerina.

5. Michael Jackson


Michael Jackson was the man who made music videos a trend and he is, without a doubt, the man who made dancing an important element of modern pop music. Jackson's moves have already become standard vocabulary in pop and hip-hop dances. Most modern pop icons such as Justin Bieber, Usher, Justin Timberlake admit that Michael Jackson's style has influenced them strong influence.

His contribution to the art of dance was original and unusual. Jackson was an innovator who was primarily self-taught, designing new dance moves without the often encountered effects of formal training that limit the flight of imagination. His natural grace, flexibility and amazing rhythm contributed to the creation of the “Jackson style.” His employees called him a "sponge." This nickname was given to him for his ability to absorb ideas and techniques wherever he found them.

Jackson's biggest inspirations were James Brown, Marcel Marceau, Gene Kelly, and perhaps this will surprise many people, various classical ballet dancers. What many of his fans don't know is that he initially tried to "pirouette like Baryshnikov" and "tap dance like Fred Astaire" but failed miserably. However, his devotion to his own unique style brought him the fame he sought, and today his name stands alongside other giants of popular music such as Elvis and the Beatles, and he is considered one of the greatest pop icons of all time.

4. Joaquin Cortés


Joaquin Cortez is the youngest dancer on this list, but despite the fact that he is still in the process of shaping his legacy, he is one of the few dancers in history who managed to become phenomenal sex symbols, beloved by both women and men. and men. Elle Macpherson described it as "walking sex"; Madonna and Jennifer Lopez have publicly expressed their adoration for him, while Naomi Campbell and Mira Sorvino are among the women whose hearts he has (rumored) broken.

It's safe to say that Cortés is not only one of the greatest flamenco dancers of all time, but also the one who cemented flamenco's place in popular culture. His male admirers include Tarantino, Armani, Bertolucci, Al Pacino, Antonio Banderas, and Sting. Many of his fans call him the Flamenco God or simply the Sex God and if you get a chance to watch one of his shows, you will understand why. However, at the age of forty-four, Cortez remains a bachelor, declaring that "dance is my wife, my only woman."

3. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers


Astaire and Rogers, of course, were a unique pair of dancers. They say that “he gave her charm, and she gave him sex appeal.” They made dancing much more appealing to the masses in a rather prudish time. This was partly due to the fact that Rogers used her acting skills to dance, and made it seem like dancing with Astaire was the happiest moment of her life.

The era also contributed to the rise of their popularity; during the Great Depression, many Americans were trying to make ends meet - and these two dancers gave people a chance to forget about the depressing reality for a while and have fun.

2. Mikhail Baryshnikov


Mikhail Baryshnikov is one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, considered by many critics to be the greatest. Born in Latvia, Baryshnikov studied ballet at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg (then called Leningrad) before he began performing at the Mariinsky Theater in 1967. Since then, he has performed leading roles in dozens of ballets. He played a key role in bringing ballet into popular culture back in the late 1970s and early 80s, and he was the face of the art form for over two decades. Baryshnikov is perhaps the most influential dancer of our time.

1. Rudolf Nureyev


Baryshnikov won the hearts of critics and fellow dancers, and Rudolf Nureyev was able to charm millions of ordinary people around the world. The Russian-born dancer became a soloist at the Mariinsky Theater at the age of 20. In 1961, when his personal life made him the subject of intense scrutiny from Soviet authorities, he sought political asylum in Paris and then toured with the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas ( Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas).

In the 1970s, he broke into the film industry. Most critics argue that he was not as technically good as Baryshnikov, but Nureyev still managed to captivate the crowds with his amazing charisma and emotional performances. The ballet of the couple Nureyev and Fonteyn (Romeo and Juliet) remains to this day one of the most powerful and emotional duet performances in the history of ballet.

Unfortunately, Nureyev was one of the first victims of HIV infection, and died of AIDS in 1993. Twenty years later, we can still see the incredible legacy he left behind.

+
Donnie Burns


Donnie Burns is a Scottish professional ballroom dancer who specializes in Latin dance. He and his former dance partner Gaynor Fairweather were World Professional Latin Dance Champions a record sixteen times. On this moment he is the President of the World Dance Council, and also appeared on the twelfth season of Dancing with the Stars.

He is considered the greatest ballroom dancer of all time, and his championship dances with his partner are now considered classics. But things didn't always go so well for Burns. During an interview with the Daily Sun, he admitted: "I never thought that little boy from Hamilton will be able to experience at least some of what I have experienced in my life. I was teased relentlessly at school and often got into fights because I wanted to prove that I was not a “dancing queen.”

It is safe to say that today he would not object to such an epithet, since Donnie Burns is currently considered the “King of Dance”.

People's Artist of the USSR.
Hero of Socialist Labor.
President of the International Union of Pop Artists.
Academician International Academy dance.
Ballet dancer, pop dancer, actor.


Great dancer

Makhmud Esambaev was born on July 15, 1924 in the foothill village of Starye Atagi. Many outstanding Chechen playwrights and writers, musicians and composers come from this beautiful corner of the planet. Most likely, Makhmud Esambaev was born a dancer by inclination and talent: nature generously endowed “her son” with extraordinary expressive body movement, a perfect ear for music, phenomenal memory, and tall stature.

Mahmoud always danced. I have been dancing since I can remember. From the age of seven, the boy danced smartly to the approving laughter and exclamations of his elders at weddings, and at fifteen he became a soloist of the Chechen-Ingush State Song and Dance Ensemble, and at nineteen he was accepted into the Pyatigorsk operetta. Contrary to the will of his father, who considered his son’s choice unworthy of a real man, Makhmud Esambaev became an artist. At the same time, he barely completed only six years of high school.

Using his naturally phenomenal step, penchant for the grotesque and rare masculine grace, Makhmud Esambaev staged many of his compositions himself. He created his own dance theater. Performing alone, he skillfully and easily dominated any stage, artistically attracted attention and kept it. All of the maestro's numbers became hits.

Movie

Brilliant performer of a number of leading ballet parts, dance scenes of opera performances of the Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater, Leningrad Academic Maly Opera and Ballet Theater named after S. M. Kirov, Bolshoi Theater The USSR, of course, attracted the attention of film directors.

Makhmud Esambaev's film debut in 1961 took place not only as an actor, but also as a screenwriter. He wrote the script for the television play, the film-ballet "In the World of Dance", and soon followed the main role Ishkoeva in the film “I will dance”. In the film adaptation of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's ballet, in the ballet film " Swan Lake"In the production of directors Apollinary Dudko and Konstantin Sergeev, the master performed one of the main roles.

Directors Albert Mkrtchyan and Leonid Popov invited Makhmud Esambaev to play one of the main roles in the adventure-romantic drama "Sannikov's Land" based on the script "for the money" of the unemployed optimist Mark Zakharov. This was before he became that “Mark Zakharov”. In the film, Makhmud Esambaev portrayed the Black Shaman surrounded by native women - the half-naked prima donnas of the Buryat theaters, scaring away with his mesmerizing dances the heroes of Sannikov's journey to the land - the escaped convict Ilyin, the brilliantly performed role of Vladislav Dvorzhetsky, the exiled settler Krestovsky, the role of the incomparable Oleg Dal, and simply the adventurer Gubin in performed by Yuri Nazarov.

The dance maestro’s professional victory in cinema was the role of the court Musician “The Incomparable” Iga-Nash-Tush directed by Gennady Vasiliev in the musical fairy tale film about the magical City of Merry Workers “While the Clock Strikes”, and the restless “Fire” in the fairy tale - Yuri’s comedy Pobedonostsev's "Honest Magic" was performed by Esambaev very convincingly.

The personality of the dance maestro was great. Esambaev was loved, adored for his talent, directors were captivated by the actor’s inner power. Elizaveta Kimyagarova invited the dancer to play the role of the treasurer in “The Adventures of Little Muk” based on the work of Gauff, but even in this role, a little unusual for him, Esambaev was excellent.

Esambaev's film characters have a special, Esambaev-esque personality! And this simply could not be ignored. So director Georgy Bazarov cast the actor in the role of a strictly Teacher in the political drama “Report from the Abyss,” which tells the story of a military coup in a small Asian country in the late 70s. And in 1995, Esambaev also starred in an international film project. The film "Call of the Ancestors" is a joint production of Algeria and Uzbekistan. In the role of the Great Turan, the popular dancer was irresistible as always.

"Proud Mahmoud"

A popular soloist on the pop stage of the 50-70s, a hero of gossip columns in the last years of the 20th century, Makhmud Esambaev was not only a master of dance, but also a great man who, through his art, introduced people to humanism. At the same time, he never hid his national identity, even in the most difficult times. Chechen people time. His unchanging national hat made of selected astrakhan fur was as noticeable as his other source of pride - a wasp-like waist until old age...

The great ballerina Galina Ulanova said about the dancer Esambaev: “People like Makhmud Esambaev, I don’t even know how old we meet. He is, essentially, so flexible, so musical and so expressive... that everything he performs is no one else’s.” I couldn't..."

Makhmud Alisultanovich Esambaev passed away on January 7, 2000, the dance maestro was buried in Moscow at the Muslim Cemetery, a branch of the Danilovsky Cemetery.

Filmography:

1963 I will dance

1968 Swan Lake - ballet film

1972 Dandelion Wine

1973 Sannikov Land

1975 To the ends of the world...

1976 While the clock is striking

1976 Honest Magic

1983 The Adventures of Little Mook

On March 17, the great Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev would have turned 78 years old. Ballet classic Roland Petit called Nuriev dangerous, the press called him a frantic Tatar, and rock stars and royalty confessed their love to him. ELLE - about the “ballet Russians” who have achieved success in the West.

Sarah Bernhardt considered Nijinsky the greatest actor in the world, the press - no less than the eighth wonder of the world. A native of Kyiv, a dancer at the Mariinsky Theater, Nijinsky made his debut in Paris, where he amazed audiences and critics with his phenomenal technique, plasticity and taste. And the most amazing thing is that his career as a dancer lasted only ten years. In 1917, he appeared on stage for the last time, and until his death in 1950, he struggled with schizophrenia, moving between psychiatric clinics. Nijinsky’s influence on world ballet is difficult to overestimate, and his diaries are still deciphered and interpreted differently by specialists.

One of the main stars of Russian ballet in the world, Nureyev was a real pop star, bright and scandalous. A difficult, quarrelsome character, arrogance, a stormy personal life and a tendency to shocking did not obscure the main thing - the incredible talent of Nuriev, who managed to combine together the traditions of ballet and current, as they say now, trends. A native of Ufa, the long-awaited son, who did not live up to the hopes of his military father, who contemptuously called Rudolf “ballerina,” made his most famous jump not on stage, but in the control zone of the Paris airport. In 1961, the Soviet dancer Nureyev suddenly took off with 30 francs in his pocket, asking for political asylum. Thus began Nuriev’s ascent to the world ballet Olympus. Fame, money, luxury, parties at Studio 54, gold, brocade, rumors of affairs with Freddie Mercury, Yves Saint Laurent, Elton John - and the best roles in the London Royal Ballet, directorship in the ballet group of the Paris Grand Opera. A completely ill Nuriev spent the last hundred days of his life in his beloved Paris. He is buried there.

Another famous representative of ballet, who can safely be called a pop star, is in many ways similar to Nuriev: childhood in a Soviet province (if we consider Riga as a province - still not Moscow or Leningrad), complete misunderstanding on the part of his father and a real artistic rise outside THE USSR. Remaining in the West in 1974, Baryshnikov quickly gained a foothold at the top: first he headed the legendary New York City Ballet, then for nine years, from 1980 to 1989, he directed the no less famous American Ballet Theater. He also actively and quite successfully, although unevenly, acted in films, became a socialite, and met with Hollywood beauties Jessica Lange and Liza Minnelli. And the new public, far from ballet (and, by the way, from Joseph Brodsky, with whom Baryshnikova was associated real friendship), this incredible man became famous thanks to a small but noticeable role in the series “Sex in big city" Sarah Jessica Parker is his biggest fan. called Mikhail Baryshnikov a tough boy - “ cool guy" Who would argue.

Vladimir Vasiliev is a symbol of the Bolshoi Theater and all Russian ballet of the second half of the 20th century. Due to the fact that Vasiliev lived in the Soviet Union, his popularity in the West is much inferior to the glory of the same Baryshnikov, although art connoisseurs, of course, know and appreciate him. Vasiliev worked mainly in Europe, gradually changing his profession to choreographer. Kazan and Paris, Rome and Perm, Vilnius and Rio - the geography of Vasiliev’s creative movements affirms and confirms his cosmopolitanism.

The blond giant, Bolshoi star, Godunov, in August 1979, while on tour in the States, decided not to return home. A terrible drama unfolded, in which not only the artist himself and his wife, ballerina Lyudmila Vlasova, were involved, but also Joseph Brodsky, the FBI, and even the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union. Remaining in the States, Godunov joined the famous American Ballet Theater, which he eventually left after a quarrel with his best friend Mikhail Baryshnikov. Then there was work within the framework of his own project “Godunov and Friends”, success, an affair with actress Jacqueline Bisset and an abrupt departure from the profession. Bisset persuaded Alexander to start a film career, and he partially succeeded: “Witness” with Harrison Ford and especially “ Toughie"did yesterday ballet dancer five minutes to a Hollywood star. However, Godunov himself did not like being on the sidelines, although those who had not even been interested in ballet had now learned about “this Russian.”

He never returned to dancing, and in 1995 he died at the age of 45. “I believe that he did not take root and died of loneliness,” said Joseph Brodsky, who took an active part in his fate as a “defector.”

Alonso Alicia(b. 1921), Cuban prima ballerina. A dancer of a romantic nature, she was especially magnificent in “Giselle.” In 1948, she founded the "Alicia Alonso Ballet" in Cuba, which later became known as "Ballet of Alicia Alonso". National Ballet Cuba." Alonso's stage life was very long; she stopped performing at the age of over sixty.

Andreyanova Elena Ivanovna(1819-1857), Russian ballerina, the largest representative of romantic ballet. The first performer of the title roles in the ballets "Giselle" and "Paquita". Many choreographers created roles in their ballets especially for Andreyanova.

Ashton Frederick(1904-1988), English choreographer and director of the Royal Ballet of Great Britain in 1963-1970. Several generations of English ballet dancers grew up on the performances he staged. Ashton's style determined the characteristics of the English ballet school.

Balanchine George(Georgy Melitonovich Balanchivadze, 1904-1983), outstanding Russian-American choreographer of the 20th century, innovator. He was convinced that dance does not need the help of a literary plot, scenery and costumes, but the most important thing is the interaction of music and dance. Balanchine's influence on world ballet is difficult to overestimate. His legacy includes more than 400 works.

Baryshnikov Mikhail Nikolaevich(b. 1948), dancer of the Russian school. Masterly classical technique and purity of style made Baryshnikov one of the most famous representatives of male dance in the 20th century. After graduating from the Leningrad Choreographic School, Baryshnikov was accepted into the ballet troupe of the S.M. Kirov Opera and Ballet Theater and soon performed leading classical roles. In June 1974, while on tour with the Bolshoi Theater troupe in Toronto, Baryshnikov refused to return to the USSR. In 1978, he joined J. Balanchine's New York City Ballet troupe, and in 1980 he became artistic director American Ballet Theater and remained in this position until 1989. In 1990, Baryshnikov and choreographer Mark Morris founded the White Oak Dance Project, which over time grew into a large traveling troupe with a modern repertoire. Among Baryshnikov's awards are gold medals at international ballet competitions.

Bejar Maurice(b. 1927), French choreographer, born in Marseille. He founded the troupe "Ballet of the 20th Century" and became one of the most popular and influential choreographers in Europe. In 1987, he moved his troupe to Lausanne (Switzerland) and changed its name to “Béjart Ballet in Lausanne”.

Blasis Karlo(1797-1878), Italian dancer, choreographer and teacher. Led dance school at the La Scala theater in Milan. Author of two famous works on classical dance: “Treatise on Dance” and “Code Terpsichore”. In the 1860s he worked in Moscow, at the Bolshoi Theater and ballet school.

Bournonville August(1805-1879), Danish teacher and choreographer, was born in Copenhagen, where his father worked as a choreographer. In 1830 he headed the ballet Royal Theater and staged many performances. They are carefully preserved by many generations of Danish artists.

Vasiliev Vladimir Viktorovich(b. 1940), Russian dancer and choreographer. After graduating from the Moscow Choreographic School, he worked in the Bolshoi Theater troupe. Possessing a rare gift of plastic transformation, he had an unusually wide range of creativity. His performing style is noble and courageous. Winner of many international awards and prizes. He was repeatedly named the best dancer of the era. His name is associated with the highest achievements in the field of male dance. Permanent partner of E. Maksimova.

Vestris Auguste(1760-1842), French dancer. His creative life proceeded extremely successfully at the Paris Opera until the revolution of 1789. He then emigrated to London. He is also famous as a teacher: among his students are J. Perrault, A. Bournonville, Maria Taglioni. Vestris, the greatest dancer of his era, possessed a virtuoso technique and a large jump, had the title "god of dance."

Geltser Ekaterina Vasilievna(1876-1962), Russian dancer. She was the first ballet dancer to be awarded the title "People's Artist of the RSFSR". A bright representative of the Russian school classical dance. In her performance she combined lightness and swiftness with breadth and softness of movements.

Goleizovsky Kasyan Yaroslavovich(1892-1970), Russian choreographer. Participant in the innovative experiments of Fokin and Gorsky. Musicality and rich imagination determined the originality of his art. In his work he sought modern sound classical dance.

Gorsky Alexander Alekseevich(1871-1924), Russian choreographer and teacher, ballet reformer. He strove to overcome the conventions of academic ballet, replaced pantomime with dance, and achieved historical accuracy in the design of the performance. A significant phenomenon was the ballet “Don Quixote” in its production, which to this day is in the repertoire of ballet theaters around the world.

Grigorovich Yuri Nikolaevich(b. 1927), Russian choreographer. For many years he was the chief choreographer of the Bolshoi Theater, where he staged the ballets “Spartacus”, “Ivan the Terrible” and “The Golden Age”, as well as his own editions of ballets from the classical heritage. His wife, Natalia Bessmertnova, performed in many of them. He made a great contribution to the development of Russian ballet.

Grisi Carlotta(1819-1899), Italian ballerina, first performer of the role of Giselle. She performed in all European capitals and at the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theater. Distinguished by her extraordinary beauty, she possessed in equal measure the passion of Fanny Elsler and the lightness of Maria Taglioni.

Danilova Alexandra Dionisevna(1904-1997), Russian-American ballerina. In 1924 she left Russia with J. Balanchine. She was a ballerina in Diaghilev's troupe until his death, then danced in the Russian Ballet of Monte Carlo troupe. She did a lot for the development of classical ballet in the West.

De Valois Ninet(b. 1898), English dancer, choreographer. In 1931 she founded the Vic Wells Ballet troupe, which later became known as the Royal Ballet.

Didelot Charles Louis(1767-1837), French choreographer and teacher. For a long time he worked in St. Petersburg, where he staged more than 40 ballets. His activities in Russia helped propel Russian ballet to one of the first places in Europe.

Geoffrey Robert(1930-1988), American dancer, choreographer. In 1956 he founded the Joffrey Ballet troupe.

Duncan Isadora(1877-1927), American dancer. One of the founders of modern dance. Duncan put forward the slogan: “Freedom of body and spirit gives rise to creative thought.” She sharply opposed the school of classical dance and advocated the development of mass schools where children would learn through dance the beauty of the natural movements of the human body. Duncan's ideal was ancient Greek frescoes and sculpture. She replaced the traditional ballet costume with a light Greek tunic and danced without shoes. This is where the name "barefoot dance" comes from. Duncan improvised talentedly; her movements consisted of walking, running on half-toes, light jumps and expressive gestures. At the beginning of the 20th century, the dancer was very popular. In 1922 she married poet S. Yesenin and accepted Soviet citizenship. However, in 1924 she left the USSR. Duncan's art has undoubtedly influenced modern choreography.

Diaghilev Sergei Pavlovich(1872-1929), Russian theater figure, ballet impresario, director of the famous Russian Ballet. In an effort to introduce Russian art Western Europe, Diaghilev organized an exhibition of Russian painting and a series of concerts in Paris in 1907, and the following season, the production of a number of Russian operas. In 1909, he assembled a troupe consisting of dancers from the Imperial Theaters, and during the summer vacation he took it to Paris, where he held the first “Russian Season”, in which such dancers as A.P. participated. Pavlova, T.P. Karsavina, M.M. Fokin, V.F. Nijinsky. "The Season", which was a huge success and stunned the public with its novelty, became a real triumph of Russian ballet and, of course, had a huge influence on the subsequent development of world choreography. In 1911, Diaghilev created a permanent troupe, Diaghilev's Russian Ballet, which existed until 1929. He chose ballet as a vehicle for new ideas in art and saw in it a synthesis modern music, painting and choreography. Diaghilev was an inspiration for the creation of new masterpieces and a skillful discoverer of talent.

Ermolaev Alexey Nikolaevich(1910-1975), dancer, choreographer, teacher. One of the most prominent representatives of the Russian ballet school of the 20-40s of the twentieth century. Ermolaev destroyed the stereotype of a courteous and gallant gentleman dancer, changed the idea of ​​the possibilities of male dance and brought it to a new level of virtuosity. His performance of parts of the classical repertoire was unexpected and profound, and his style of dancing itself was unusually expressive. As a teacher, he trained many outstanding dancers.

Ivanov Lev Ivanovich(1834-1901), Russian choreographer, choreographer of the Mariinsky Theater. Together with M. Petipa he staged the ballet "Swan Lake", the author of the "swan" acts - the second and fourth. The genius of his production has stood the test of time: almost all choreographers who turn to “Swan Lake” leave the “swan acts” intact.

Istomina Avdotya Ilyinichna(1799-1848), leading dancer of the St. Petersburg Ballet. She had rare stage charm, grace, and virtuoso dance technique. In 1830, due to a leg illness, she switched to mime roles, and in 1836 she left the stage. Pushkin in “Eugene Onegin” has lines dedicated to her:

Brilliant, half-airy,
I obey the magic bow,
Surrounded by a crowd of nymphs,
Worth Istomin; she,
One foot touching the floor,
The other slowly circles,
And suddenly he jumps, and suddenly he flies,
Flies like feathers from the lips of Aeolus;
Either the camp will sow, then it will develop
And with a quick foot he hits the leg.

Camargo Marie(1710-1770), French ballerina. She became famous for her virtuoso dance while performing at the Paris Opera. The first of the women began to perform cabriole and entrechat, which were previously considered a part of the technique of exclusively male dance. She also shortened her skirts to allow her to move more freely.

Karsavina Tamara Platonovna(1885-1978), leading ballerina of the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet. She performed in Diaghilev's troupe from the first performances and was often Vaslav Nijinsky's partner. The first performer in many of Fokine's ballets.

Kirkland Gelsey(b. 1952), American ballerina. Extremely gifted, as a teenager she received leading roles from J. Balanchine. In 1975, at the invitation of Mikhail Baryshnikov, she joined the American Ballet Theater troupe. She was considered the best performer of the role of Giselle in the United States.

Kilian Jiri(b. 1947), Czech dancer and choreographer. Since 1970 he danced in the troupe of the Stuttgart Ballet, where he performed his first productions, and since 1978 he has been the director of the Dutch Dance Theater, which thanks to him won world fame. His ballets are staged all over the world; they are distinguished by a special style, based mainly on adagio and emotionally rich sculptural structures. The influence of his work on modern ballet is very great.

Kolpakova Irina Aleksandrovna(b. 1933), Russian ballerina. She danced at the Opera and Ballet Theater. CM. Kirov. Ballerina classic style, one of the best performers of the role of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. In 1989, at the invitation of Baryshnikov, she became a teacher at the American Ball Theater.

Cranko John(1927-1973), English choreographer of South African origin. His productions of multi-act narrative ballets became very famous. From 1961 until the end of his life he directed the Stuttgart Ballet.

Kshesinskaya Matilda Feliksovna(1872-1971), Russian artist, teacher. She had a bright artistic personality. Her dance was distinguished by bravura, cheerfulness, flirtatiousness and at the same time classical completeness. In 1929 she opened her studio in Paris. Prominent foreign dancers, including I. Shovir and M. Fontaine, took lessons from Kshesinskaya.

Lepeshinskaya Olga Vasilievna(b. 1916), Russian dancer. In 1933-1963 she worked at the Bolshoi Theater. She had sparkling technique. Her performance was distinguished by its temperament, emotional richness, and precision of movements.

Liepa Maris Eduardovich(1936-1989), Russian dancer. Liepa's dance stood out for its courageous, confident manner, breadth and strength of movements, clarity, and sculptural design. The thoughtfulness of all the details of the role and the bright theatricality made him one of the most interesting “dancing actors” of the ballet theater. Liepa's best role was the role of Crassus in the ballet "Spartacus" by A. Khachaturian, for which he received the Lenin Prize.

Makarova Natalia Romanovna(b. 1940), dancer. In 1959-1970 - artist of the Opera and Ballet Theater. CM. Kirov. Unique plastic abilities, perfect skill, external grace and internal passion - all this is characteristic of her dance. Since 1970, the ballerina has lived and worked abroad. Makarova’s work increased the glory of the Russian school and influenced the development of foreign choreography.

McMillan Kenneth(1929-1992), English dancer and choreographer. After the death of F. Ashton, he was recognized as the most influential choreographer in England. MacMillan's style is a combination of the classical school with a more free-spirited, flexible and acrobatic one, which was developed in Europe.

Maksimova Ekaterina Sergeevna(b. 1939), Russian ballerina. She joined the Bolshoi Theater troupe in 1958, where Galina Ulanova rehearsed with her, and soon began playing leading roles. He has great stage charm, filigree precision and purity of dance, grace, elegance of plasticity. She has equal access to comedic colors, subtle lyricism and drama.

Markova Alicia(b. 1910), English ballerina. As a teenager she danced in Diaghilev's troupe. One of the most famous performers the role of Giselle, was distinguished by her exceptional ease of dance.

Messerer Asaf Mikhailovich(1903-1992), Russian dancer, choreographer, teacher. He started studying at ballet school at the age of sixteen. Very soon he became a classical virtuoso dancer of an unusual style. Constantly increasing the complexity of the movements, he introduced energy, athletic strength and passion into them. On stage he seemed like a flying athlete. At the same time, he had a bright comedic gift and a unique artistic humor. He became especially famous as a teacher, since 1946 he taught a class for leading dancers and ballerinas at the Bolshoi Theater.

Messerer Sulamif Mikhailovna(b. 1908), Russian dancer, teacher. Sister of A. M. Messerer. In 1926-1950 - artist of the Bolshoi Theater. A dancer of an unusually wide repertoire, she performed roles from lyrical to dramatic and tragic. Since 1980 he has lived abroad and taught in different countries.

Moiseev Igor Alexandrovich(b. 1906), Russian choreographer. In 1937 he created the Ensemble folk dance USSR, which became an outstanding phenomenon in the history of world dance culture. The choreographic suites he staged are real examples of folk dance. Moiseev is an honorary member of the Academy of Dance in Paris.

Myasin Leonid Fedorovich(1895-1979), Russian choreographer and dancer. He studied at the Moscow Imperial Ballet School. In 1914 he entered the ballet troupe of S.P. Diaghilev and made his debut in “Russian Seasons”. Massine's talent as a choreographer and character dancer developed rapidly, and the dancer soon gained worldwide fame. After Diaghilev's death, Massine became head of the Russian Ballet of Monte Carlo.

Nijinsky Vaslav Fomich(1889-1950), outstanding Russian dancer and choreographer. At the age of 18 he performed leading roles at the Mariinsky Theater. In 1908, Nijinsky met S. P. Diaghilev, who invited him as a leading dancer to participate in the “Russian Ballet Season” of 1909. The Parisian public enthusiastically greeted the brilliant dancer with his exotic appearance and amazing technique. Nijinsky then returned to the Mariinsky Theater, but was soon fired (he appeared in a too revealing costume in the play "Giselle", which was attended by the Dowager Empress) and became a permanent member of Diaghilev's troupe. Soon he tried his hand as a choreographer and replaced Fokine in this post. Nijinsky was an idol throughout Europe. His dance combined strength and lightness, and he amazed the audience with his breathtaking leaps. It seemed to many that the dancer was freezing in the air. He had a wonderful gift of transformation and extraordinary facial abilities. On stage, Nijinsky emanated powerful magnetism, although Everyday life he was timid and silent. Mental illness prevented the full development of his talent (since 1917 he was under medical supervision).

Nijinska Bronislava Fominichna(1891-1972), Russian dancer and choreographer, sister of Vaslav Nijinsky. She was an artist of Diaghilev's troupe, and from 1921 she was a choreographer. Her productions, modern in theme and choreography, are currently considered classics of ballet art.

Nover Jean Georges(1727-1810), French choreographer and dance theorist. In the famous “Letters on Dance and Ballets” he outlined his views on ballet as an independent performance with a plot and developed action. Nover introduced serious dramatic content into ballet and established new laws stage action. Unofficially considered the “father” of modern ballet.

Nureyev Rudolf Khametovich(also Nuriev, 1938-1993), dancer. After graduating from the Leningrad Choreographic School, he became the leading soloist of the ballet troupe of the Opera and Ballet Theater. CM. Kirov. In 1961, while on tour with the theater in Paris, Nureyev asked to be granted political asylum. In 1962, he performed in the London Royal Ballet's "Giselle" in a duet with Margot Fonteyn. Nureyev and Fonteyn are the most famous ballet couple of the 1960s. In the late 1970s, Nureyev turned to modern dance and acted in films. From 1983 to 1989 he was the director of the Paris Opera ballet troupe.

Pavlova Anna Pavlovna(Matveevna, 1881-1931), one of the greatest ballerinas of the twentieth century. Immediately after graduating from the St. Petersburg Theater School, she made her debut on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater, where her talent quickly received recognition. She became a soloist, and in 1906 she was promoted to the highest rank - the rank of prima ballerina. In the same year, Pavlova connected her life with Baron V.E. Dandre. She participated in performances of Diaghilev's Russian Ballet in Paris and London. Pavlova's last performance in Russia took place in 1913, then she settled in England and toured with her own troupe around the world. An outstanding actress, Pavlova was a lyrical ballerina, distinguished by her musicality and psychological content. Her image is usually associated with the image of the dying swan in the ballet number, which was created especially for Pavlova by Mikhail Fokin, one of her first partners. Pavlova's fame is legendary. Her ascetic service to dance aroused worldwide interest in choreography and gave impetus to the revival of foreign ballet theater.

Perrot Jules(1810-1892), French dancer and choreographer of the Romantic era. He was Maria Taglioni's partner at the Paris Opera. In the mid-1830s he met Carlotta Grisi, for whom he staged (together with Jean Coralli) the ballet Giselle, the most famous of the romantic ballets.

Petit Roland(b. 1924), French choreographer. He headed several companies, including the Ballet of Paris, the Roland Petit Ballet and the National Ballet of Marseille. His performances - both romantic and comedic - always bear the imprint of the author’s bright personality.

Petipa Marius(1818-1910), French artist and choreographer, worked in Russia. The Greatest Choreographer second half of the 19th century century, he headed the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet Troupe, where he staged over 50 performances that became examples of the style " Bolshoi ballet", formed in this era in Russia. It was he who proved that composing ballet music does not in the least degrade the dignity of a serious musician. Collaboration with Tchaikovsky became a source of inspiration for Petipa, from which brilliant works were born, and above all "The Sleeping Beauty", where he achieved pinnacles of perfection.

Plisetskaya Maya Mikhailovna(b. 1925), an outstanding dancer of the second half of the twentieth century, who went down in the history of ballet with her phenomenal creative longevity. Even before graduating from college, Plisetskaya danced solo roles at the Bolshoi Theater. Very quickly becoming famous, she created a unique style - graphic, distinguished by grace, sharpness and completeness of every gesture and pose, every individual movement and choreographic pattern as a whole. The ballerina has the rare talent of a tragic ballet actress, a phenomenal jump, expressive plasticity and a keen sense of rhythm. Her performing style is characterized by technical virtuosity, expressiveness of her hands and a strong acting temperament. Plisetskaya is the first performer of many roles in the Bolshoi Theater ballets. Since 1942 she has been dancing M. Fokine's miniature "The Dying Swan", which has become a symbol of her unique art.

As a choreographer, Plisetskaya staged ballets by R.K. Shchedrin "Anna Karenina", "The Seagull" and "The Lady with the Dog", playing the main roles in them. She starred in many ballet films, as well as feature films as a dramatic actress. Awarded by many international awards, including the Anna Pavlova Prize, the French orders of Commander and Legion of Honor. She was awarded the title of Doctor of the Sorbonne. Since 1990, he has performed concert programs abroad and conducted master classes. Since 1994, it has been held in St. Petersburg international competition"Mayan", dedicated to creativity Plisetskaya.

Rubinstein Ida Lvovna(1885-1960), Russian dancer. She took part in “Russian Seasons” abroad, then organized her own troupe. She had expressive appearance and plasticity of gesture. Several ballets were specially written for her, including “Bolero” by M. Ravel.

Salle Marie(1707-1756), French ballerina, performed at the Paris Opera. Rival Marie Camargo. Her dancing style, graceful and full of feeling, differed from Camargo’s technical, virtuoso performance.

Semenova Marina Timofeevna(1908-1998), dancer, teacher. Semyonova’s contribution to the history of Russian ballet theater is extremely great: it was she who made a breakthrough into the unexplored areas of classical ballet. The almost superhuman energy of her movements gave her dance a new dimension and pushed the limits of virtuosic technique. At the same time, she was feminine in every movement, every gesture. Her roles amazed with artistic brilliance, drama and depth.

Spesivtseva Olga Aleksandrovna(1895-1991), Russian dancer. She worked at the Mariinsky Theater and Diaghilev's Russian Ballet. Spesivtseva's dance was distinguished by its sharp graphic poses, perfect lines, and airy lightness. Her heroines, far from the real world, were noted for their exquisite, fragile beauty and spirituality. Her gift was most fully demonstrated in the role of Giselle. The part was built on contrasts and was fundamentally different from the performance of this image by the largest ballerinas of that time. Spesivtseva was the last traditional ballerina romantic style. In 1937, she left the stage due to illness.

Taglioni Maria(1804-1884), representative of the Italian ballet dynasty of the 19th century. Under the guidance of her father, Filippo, she studied dance, although her physical characteristics did not quite suit her chosen profession: her arms seemed too long, and some argued that she was stooped. Maria first performed at the Paris Opera in 1827, but achieved success in 1832, when she performed main party in the ballet La Sylphide staged by her father, which later became a symbol of Taglioni and the entire romantic ballet. Before Maria Taglioni, pretty ballerinas captivated audiences with their virtuosic dance technique and feminine charm. Taglioni, by no means a beauty, created a new type of ballerina - spiritual and mysterious. In "La Sylphide" she embodied the image of an unearthly creature personifying an ideal, an unattainable dream of beauty. In a flowing white dress, soaring in light leaps and freezing on her fingertips, Taglioni became the first ballerina to use pointe shoes and make them an integral part of classical ballet. All the capitals of Europe admired her. In her old age, Maria Taglioni, lonely and impoverished, taught dance and good manners to the children of London nobles.

Tallchief Maria(b. 1925), outstanding American ballerina. She performed mainly in troupes headed by J. Balanchine. In 1980 she founded the Chicago City Ballet troupe, which she led throughout the years of its existence - until 1987.

Ulanova Galina Sergeevna(1910-1998), Russian ballerina. Her work was characterized by a rare harmony of all expressive means. She imparted spirituality to even a simple, everyday movement. Back at the very beginning creative path Ulanova's critics wrote about the complete unity in her performance of dance technique, dramatic acting and plasticity. Galina Sergeevna performed the main roles in ballets of the traditional repertoire. Her highest achievements were the roles of Mary in The Fountain of Bakhchisarai and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.

Fokin Mikhail Mikhailovich(1880-1942), Russian choreographer and dancer. Overcoming ballet traditions, Fokine sought to get away from the generally accepted ballet costume, stereotypical gestures and routine construction of ballet numbers. He saw ballet technique not as a goal, but as a means of expression. In 1909, Diaghilev invited Fokine to become the choreographer of the Russian Season in Paris. The result of this union was world fame, which accompanied Fokin until the end of his days. He staged more than 70 ballets in the best theaters in Europe and America. Fokine's productions are still being revived by leading ballet companies peace.

Fontaine Margot(1919-1991), English prima ballerina, one of the most famous dancers of the twentieth century. She started studying ballet at the age of five. She made her debut in 1934 and quickly attracted attention. Fontaine's performance as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty made her famous throughout the world. In 1962, Fontaine began a successful partnership with R.H. Nureyev. The performances of this couple became a real triumph of ballet art. Since 1954, Fontaine has been president of the Royal Academy of Dance. Awarded the Order of the British Empire.

Cecchetti Enrico(1850-1928), Italian dancer and outstanding teacher. He developed his own pedagogical method, in which he sought the maximum development of dance technique. Taught at St. Petersburg theater school. Among his students were Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina, Mikhail Fokin, Vaslav Nijinsky. His teaching method is outlined in the work “Textbook on the Theory and Practice of Classical Theater Dance.”

Elsler Fanny(1810-1884), Austrian ballerina of the Romantic era. A rival of Taglioni, she had a dramatic, passionate temperament and was a superb actress.

Finally, I would like to quote the words of our outstanding ballerina Maya Plisetskaya, which she said in one of her interviews: “I think that ballet is an art with a great and exciting future. It will certainly live, seek, develop. It will certainly change. But how exactly, in what way?” which direction he will go, it is difficult to predict with complete accuracy. I don’t know. I know one thing: all of us - both performers and choreographers - need to work very hard, seriously, without sparing ourselves. People, their faith in art, their devotion to the theater can do miracles. And what these “miracles” of the ballet of the future will turn out to be will be decided by life itself.”

How is the rating calculated?
◊ The rating is calculated based on points awarded over the last week
◊ Points are awarded for:
⇒ visiting pages dedicated to the star
⇒voting for a star
⇒ commenting on a star

Biography, life story of Esambaev Mahmud Alisultan

Esambaev Makhmud Alisultan (07/15/1924, village of Starye Atagi, Chechnya - 01/07/2000, Moscow) - ballet dancer, pop dancer, actor.

Great dancer

Makhmud Esambaev was born on July 15, 1924 in the foothill village of Starye Atagi. Many outstanding Chechen playwrights and writers, musicians and composers come from this beautiful corner of the planet. Most likely, Makhmud Esambaev was born a dancer by inclination and talent: nature generously endowed “her son” with extraordinary expressive body movement, a perfect ear for music, phenomenal memory, and tall stature.

Mahmoud always danced. I have been dancing since I can remember. From the age of seven, the boy danced smartly to the approving laughter and exclamations of his elders at weddings, and at fifteen he became a soloist of the Chechen-Ingush State Song and Dance Ensemble, and at nineteen he was accepted into the Pyatigorsk operetta. Contrary to the will of his father, who considered his son’s choice unworthy of a real man, Makhmud Esambaev became an artist. At the same time, he barely completed only six years of high school.

At the age of 20, Makhmud Esambaev became a soloist at the Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater, where he was accepted after appreciating the capabilities of the genius. The Esambaev family was exiled to Kyrgyzstan during the deportation in the 40s. During the war, Esambaev had to dance in military hospitals, and at the construction of defensive structures, and in the front-line concert brigade on the front line.

The artist stood at the origins of Kyrgyz choreography. On the stage of the Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater, he performed the main roles in classical and modern ballets, and danced the main roles in the first national ballet performances. The expression of Esambaev's gesture and his eagle appearance were useful for the Evil Genius, and for Girey, and for Taras in "Taras Bulba", and for the negative heroine of the fairy Carabosse in "The Sleeping Beauty".

Monotheater

Suddenly the academic stage of the theater seemed “cramped” to Esambaev and he decided to leave it - the master turned to folk dance creativity. Having become a soloist of the Philharmonic Society of the Chechen-Ingush Republic, the maestro began to create dance novels dedicated to the culture of different peoples. Among his first works were the Spanish dance "La Corrida", the Indian ritual dance "Golden God", the Tajik "Dance with Knives".

CONTINUED BELOW


Esambaev created a unique monotheater of dance miniatures. With the program "Dances of the Peoples of the World" he conquered not only Russia, but the whole world. “On the poster they write “Dances of the Peoples of the World,” but it should be “Peoples of the World in Dance.” Be sure to see Esambaev! Esambaev’s dances are a theater of experience, not performances. Every performance of the master on the stage, every miniature of his is, I would said, a small completed ballet",” noted the famous choreographer Yuri Grigorovich enthusiastically.

Using his naturally phenomenal step, penchant for the grotesque and rare masculine grace, Makhmud Esambaev staged many of his compositions himself. He created his own dance theater. Performing alone, he skillfully and easily dominated any stage, artistically attracted attention and kept it. All of the maestro's numbers became hits.

Movie

A brilliant performer of a number of leading ballet roles, dance scenes of opera performances of the Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater, the Leningrad Academic Maly Opera and Ballet Theater named after S.M. Kirov, the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR, of course, attracted the attention of film directors.

Makhmud Esambaev's film debut in 1961 took place not only as an actor, but also as a screenwriter. He wrote the script for the television play and the film-ballet “In the World of Dance,” and soon followed the main role of Ishkoev in the film “I Will Dance.” In the film adaptation of the ballet, in the film-ballet “Swan Lake”, staged by directors Apollinary Dudko and Konstantin Sergeev, the master performed one of the main roles.

Directors Albert Mkrtchyan and Leonid Popov invited Makhmud Esambaev to play one of the main roles in the adventure-romantic drama "Sannikov's Land" based on the script "for the money" of the unemployed optimist Mark Zakharov. This was before he became that “Mark Zakharov”. In the film, Makhmud Esambaev portrayed the Black Shaman surrounded by native women - the half-naked prima donnas of the Buryat theaters, scaring away with his mesmerizing dances the heroes of Sannikov's journey to the land - the escaped convict Ilyin, a brilliantly performed role, the exiled settler Krestovsky, the role of the incomparable, and simply the adventurer Gubin, performed by.

The dance maestro’s professional victory in cinema was the role of the court Musician “The Incomparable” Iga-Nash-Tush directed by Gennady Vasiliev in the musical fairy tale film about the magical City of Merry Workers “While the Clock Strikes”, and the restless “Fire” in Yuri’s fairy-tale-comedy Pobedonostsev's "Honest Magic" was performed by Esambaev very convincingly.

The personality of the dance maestro was great. Esambaev was loved, adored for his talent, directors were captivated by the actor’s inner power. Elizaveta Kimyagarova invited the dancer to play the role of the treasurer in “The Adventures of Little Muk” based on the work of Gauff, but Esambaev was excellent in this slightly unusual role for him.

Esambaev's film characters have a special, Esambaev-esque personality! And this simply could not be ignored. So director Georgy Bazarov cast the actor in the role of a strictly Teacher in the political drama “Report from the Abyss,” which tells the story of a military coup in a small Asian country in the late 70s. And in 1995, Esambaev also starred in an international film project. The film "Call of the Ancestors" is a joint production of Algeria and Uzbekistan. In the role of the Great Turan, the popular dancer was irresistible as always.

"Proud Mahmoud"

The popular soloist of the pop stage of the 50-70s, the hero of gossip columns of the last years of the twentieth century, Makhmud Esambaev was not only a master of dance, but also a great man who, through his art, introduced people to humanism. At the same time, he never hid his national identity, even in the most difficult times for the Chechen people. His unchanging national hat made from selected astrakhan fur was just as noticeable as his other source of pride - a wasp-shaped waist into old age...

The great ballerina said about the dancer Esambaev: “People like Makhmud Esambaev have been dating for I don’t even know how many years. He is essentially so flexible, so musical and so expressive... that everything he performs, no one else could..."

Personal

The wife of Makhmud Esambaev was an Armenian woman, Nina Arkadyevna Khanumyants, a doctor. Mahmud and Nina met in their youth - Mahmud was only 17 years old at that time. Esambaev’s mother was against her son’s marriage to an Armenian woman; she saw a completely different girl as her daughter-in-law. But Mahmud did not listen to his mother and married Nina. When the couple's daughter Stella was born, the relationship between Mahmud's mother and Nina gradually improved.

Death

Makhmud Alisultanovich Esambaev passed away on January 7, 2000, the dance maestro was buried in Moscow at the Muslim Cemetery, a branch of the Danilovsky Cemetery.

Awards, bonuses, titles, important posts

People's Artist of the USSR.

People's Artist of the Kirghiz SSR

Hero of Socialist Labor.

President of the International Union of Pop Artists.

Academician of the International Dance Academy.

Recipient of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, III degree, Order of Friendship of Peoples, Order of the Patriotic War, II degree, three Orders of the Red Banner of Labor.

Deputy of the Supreme Soviets of the Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, RSFSR and USSR.