The legendary ballet master, Hero of Socialist Labour, winner of Lenin and state prizes, founder and artistic director of the Folk Dance Ensemble, Igor Moiseev, died today in Moscow at the age of 102.
The telegram that Vladimir Putin sent to Igor Moiseev’s widow and daughters reads, in part:
“The death of Igor Moiseev is an irreparable loss for national and international culture. Igor Aleksandrovich was not simply a great artist and ballet master, he was a person with an amazing trajectory and a huge amount of creative energy. He was a true citizen and Russian patriot. His art confirmed the ideals of humanism, good and beauty. Moiseev’s unique [Folk Dance] Ensemble performed on the world’s best stages; his delicate choreographic mastery and portrayal of the unique fabric of the distinct cultures of different peoples captured millions of audience members. This famous collective has always been an outstanding creative school for young talented artists.
Igor Aleksandrovich is no longer with us but his rich and eloquent heritage, his pupils, and our bright memories his outstanding creative force will remain.”