Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR Eduard Malbekov has passed away. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan confirmed the death and expressed condolences. In a statement, the ministry said: "The bright image of Eduard Zhabashuly, his instructive life and significant contribution to national culture will forever remain in the memory of relatives, colleagues, students and all art lovers. May his soul find peace in paradise, may his faith be sound, his resting place bright, and his grave soft!"
Eduard Zhabashuly devoted his conscious life to art, being a prominent ballet dancer, choreographer, teacher and mentor. His name holds a special place in the history of the formation and development of national ballet art.
According to the ministry, during his career he performed leading roles in classical and national productions such as "Spartacus", "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai", "Giselle", "Swan Lake", "Don Quixote", "The Legend of Love", "Carmen Suite", leaving his mark on Kazakh ballet art.
Eduard Zhabashuly also made a significant contribution to the development of choreographic education. In his teaching career, he trained several generations of artists and formed a large creative school. Many of his students today worthily represent national ballet art in Kazakhstan and abroad.