An irreparable loss

The collective of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography with sorrow has taken the news of death of Bulat Gazizovich Ayukhanov, the national artist of the Kazakh SSR, choreographer and the teacher, the founder and the permanent head of the State Academic Dance Theatre of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The legend of Kazakh ballet, the person of extraordinary talent and skill, the unsurpassed dancer, the excellent choreographer and teacher, Bulat Gazizovich for years of fruitful work made an invaluable contribution to development of the Kazakh choreography.

The life and creative path of Bulat Gazizovich is an example of devotion and selfless service to the art of dance. The stage images and ballet performances created by him touched the souls of the audience deeply.

His brilliant creative career has given him the opportunity to create more than 30 performances at the Palace of Congresses and the Bolshoi Theatre of the USSR, London’s Bernard Shaw Theatre and Cadogan Hall, in Montreal, Canada, and in France.

Bulat Gazizovich brought up a pleiad of talented artists who are in demand on stage and in education. Many of his students work within the walls of our Academy of Choreography.

A talented director, Bulat Ayukhanov has created a highly professional company, which is interesting because of the variety of creative productions, and more than one generation of ballet dancers has grown up on his repertoire.

Bulat Gazizovich’s attitude towards ballet is easy to read from his confessions. Witty and inventive, he was able to give short descriptions to everyone and himself in the first place… Once in an interview he said: “Do not mess with the ballet, otherwise you will not have time for the rest of life. The same phrase can be translated into an absolutely positive context of Bulat Gazizovich Ayukhanov’s life: “Dedicate your life to ballet – and you won’t want another fate”.

The management and staff of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography grieve over the irreparable loss and express sincere condolences to Bulat Gazizovich’s relatives and friends, his students and creative team.

The bright image of Bulat Gazizovich, who left a bright trace in the culture of the country, will forever remain in the history of dance art of Kazakhstan and in the hearts of grateful spectators.