The Kazakh National Academy of Choreography extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Eduard Dzhabashovich Malbekov, an outstanding ballet dancer, teacher, and Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR.

The name of Eduard Malbekov will forever remain a part of the history of Kazakhstan’s ballet art. He devoted his life to the stage, teaching, and the development of choreographic art, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and a remarkable generation of students.

Eduard Dzhabashovich was born on February 13, 1941, in Alma-Ata. In 1958, he graduated from the Kazakh State Choreographic School, where his teachers were M. M. Mroz, A. V. Seleznev, and V. E. Nikolaev. In 1959–1960, he completed an internship at the Moscow Choreographic School affiliated with the Bolshoi Theatre of the USSR.

From 1960 to 1984, Eduard Malbekov was a leading soloist of the Abai Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. During his stage career, he performed numerous memorable roles, including Rothbart in Swan Lake, Espada in Don Quixote, Kashchei in The Firebird, Hans in Giselle, Crassus in Spartacus, and many others. A special place in his artistic career belongs to the role of Crassus in Aram Khachaturian’s Spartacus, staged by Zaurbek Raibaev in 1974.

In 1973, Eduard Malbekov was awarded the honorary title of Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR. He was also awarded the Order of the Badge of Honour, the Veteran of Labour Medal, and a Certificate of Honour of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

After completing his stage career, Eduard Dzhabashovich continued his service to choreographic art as a leader, choreographer, and teacher. From 1986 to 1988, he headed the Almaty Choreographic School named after A. V. Seleznev. He later worked as the school’s artistic director and teacher, taught at the Faculty of Choreography of the T. K. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, and collaborated with the State Dance Ensemble “Saltanat”, the “Samruk” Contemporary Dance Theatre, and other creative organizations.

Eduard Malbekov was not only a talented artist but also an outstanding mentor. Among his students were renowned representatives of the Kazakh ballet stage, including Alexey Safronov, Dastan Chynybayev, Yassaui Mergaliyev, Asset Murzakulov, Farhad Buriyev, and many others. His students and colleagues highly valued his exceptional teaching skills, his ability to reveal each artist’s individuality, and his dedication to fostering a responsible attitude toward the profession.

An important part of his artistic legacy was also his work as a choreographer and stage director, including Polovtsian Dances by Alexander Borodin in the choreography of Kasian Goleizovsky, Hikuelina by Carlos Montoya, Tango to the music of Louis Armstrong, and other works.

Eduard Dzhabashovich Malbekov made a lasting contribution to the history of Kazakhstan’s ballet. His stage mastery, pedagogical experience, devotion to his profession, and contribution to educating new generations of artists will continue to live on through his students and the national choreographic school.

The Kazakh National Academy of Choreography expresses its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Eduard Dzhabashovich Malbekov, as well as to his colleagues, students, and everyone who knew and cherished his memory.

May his memory be eternal. His legacy will live on.