The State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble, named after Igor Moiseyev, commemorated the 90th anniversary since its founder started his career. The dancers performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow three times in a row for the first time ever. The legendary ensemble presented all the beauty of world's dance variety.
The State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble was founded by Russian choreographer and ballet master Igor Alexandrovich Moiseyev in 1937.
Above: Igor Moiseyev's Folk Dance Company perform Ukrainian dance Hopak at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Igor Moiseyev's Folk Dance Company perform Ukrainian dance Hopak at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
It was the first professional folk dance ensemble in the Soviet Union.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the Polovets Dances at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the Polovets Dances at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
The dancing group travelled all over the USSR gaining experience from observing people dance live.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the suite of Mexican dances entitled Zapateo and Avalulko at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the suite of Mexican dances entitled Zapateo and Avalulko at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Igor Moiseyev introduced the principle of equality in the group as a part of his innovative approach: each dancer could perform either in a supporting or lead role.
Above: Dancers of the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble performing the Russian "Summer" dance in a concert at the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Dancers of the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble performing the Russian "Summer" dance in a concert at the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
To achieve the maximum expression of every performance, Moiseyev applied all kinds of techniques and all styles of dance, symphonic music, dramaturgy, scenography, and acting.
Above: Igor Moiseyev's Folk Dance Company perform the choreographic scene "Partisans" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Igor Moiseyev's Folk Dance Company perform the choreographic scene "Partisans" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Interpretation of European folklore became an important part of the ensemble’s history. Unable to travel abroad, Moiseyev recreated masterpieces by consulting musicians, culture experts and art historians.
Above: Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Ensemble performs at Bolshoi Theatre
Above: Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Ensemble performs at Bolshoi Theatre
During the ensemble’s tour to Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia in 1946, viewers were deeply impressed by the accuracy and the spirit of performances.
Above: Igor Moiseyev's Folk Dance Company perform the old city quadrille at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Igor Moiseyev's Folk Dance Company perform the old city quadrille at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
During the Great Patriotic War, the ensemble performed in Siberia and Russia’s Far East, helping to strengthen people’s faith in victory.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the Polovets Dances at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the Polovets Dances at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
In 1955, the State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble performed in Great Britain and France, becoming the first ever Soviet on-stage group to travel abroad. In 1958, it visited the United States of America.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the choreographic composition "At a Skating Rink" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the choreographic composition "At a Skating Rink" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
The State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble was entered into the Russian Guinness Book of Records for touring more than 60 countries.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the Bulgarian Dance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the Bulgarian Dance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Though legendary founder Igor Moiseyev died at the age of 101 in 2007, his creation lives on as one of the great symbols of Russian culture.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the dance entitled "A Mongolian Statuette" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
Above: Members of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Company perform the dance entitled "A Mongolian Statuette" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
