Farukh RUZIMATOV
ballet artist

People's Artist of Russia (1995), Honored Artist of Russia (2000), Laureate of International Competitions

Farukh Ruzimatov was born in Tashkent on June 26, 1963. Graduated from Russian Ballet Academy named after Vaganova (class of Gennady Seljutsky). Since 1981 Ruzimatov has been working at the Mariinsky theatre, and in 1986 he became the soloist of the theatre.

The artist has danced leading parts in practically all the ballets of academic repertoire: La Sylphide (James), Giselle (Albercht), La Bayadere (Solor), Le Corsaire (Ali), The Sleeping Beauty (Prince Desire), The Nutcracker (Prince), Grand Pas Paquita, Swan Lake (Siegfried), Don Quixote (Basil), Raymonda (Abderachman), Auber's Grand Pas Classique; Fokine's Chopiniana, Sheherazade (Golden Slave), Spectre de la Rose; The Legend of Love (Ferkhad); Vinogradov's The Knight in the Tiger Skin (Tariel); Balanchine's Theme and Variations, Apollo, Prodigal Son (Prodigal Son); Petit's Carmen (Don Jose), Le Jeune Homme et la Mort. His artistic palette is dominated by fiery colors. Ruzimatov is inspired by dramatic, controversial, mysterious heroes; his stage characters comprise strong, passionate persons challenging the destiny.

Among the master's last works are Grigory Rasputin staged by St.Petersburg choreographer Georgy Kovtun, Falmenco ballets Breath of Spain (Suspiro de Ispania) staged by the famous Spanish dancer and choreographer Ricardo Castro; Goya-Divertissement created by Spanish choreographer Jose Antonio specially for Ruzimatov.

The artist's creative life is very intensive: he appears on the stages of the world-best theatres, stages unique performances and organizes creative evenings in co-operation with the outstanding ballet masters.

Farukh Ruzimatov's projects are always a runaway success both in Russia and abroad. Ruzimatov is the idol of American and Japanese public, every his arrival becomes an event in the theatrical life. In 1990-1991 Ruzimatov performed as Principal Guest Artist with American Ballet Theatre.

Farukh Ruzimatov has participated in filming of the movies Grand Pas at White Night and White Nights. Egyptian Nights film is a one-act ballet based on the sketches of Fokin's choreography. The films If Stars Light, All is Fine are dedicated to the artist's creative work. Ruzimatov has also taken part in the drama performances Idiot (2001), Married by the God (2002) about V.Nizhinsky, You, Mozart, the God! (2003).

Farukh Ruzimatov is a holder of numerous awards, such as a silver medal of the Sixth Varna International Ballet Competition (1983), a special diploma of the Paris Academy of Dance, the International Competition of Ballet Dancers (1984); laureate of St.Petersburg most prestigious theatre award Zolotoy Sofit (1995), laureate of the prizes Baltika (1998) and Zolotaya Maska (Golden Mask); Cavalier of the Order For Spiritual Revival of Russia.

From 2007 till 2009 Farukh Ruzimatov worked as ballet artistic director of Mikhailovsky theatre (former St.Petersburg State Academic Opera and Ballet Mussorgsky Theatre).