Lyubimova called Grigorovich a symbol of an era in the history of ballet art.

Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova on Monday, May 19, called Yuri Grigorovich a symbol of an entire epoch in the history of ballet art. According to her, the contribution of the People's Artist of the USSR to the development of Russian choreography cannot be overestimated.

"An outstanding choreographer, choreographer and teacher has passed away. <...> His works are poems in motion, deep reflections on the human spirit, courage, love and fate," she wrote on her Telegram channel.

Lyubimova noted that due to Grigorovich's unique creative vision and professionalism, legendary ballets such as Spartak, Ivan the Terrible, The Nutcracker and others were staged on the stages of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters.

The Minister of Culture stressed that the choreographer not only created unique productions, but also educated a whole generation of artists and teachers.

"The memory of Yuri Nikolaevich will remain in our hearts and on every stage, where his immortal works will continue to live," concluded Lyubimova.

Dictator of beauty: choreographer Yuri Grigorovich has died

The outstanding choreographer staged his first ballet at the age of 20

Grigorovich's death became known earlier that day. The choreographer died at the age of 98. Since 1964, he has been the chief choreographer of the Bolshoi Theatre. Grigorovich is the author of eight original ballets, as well as the editor of almost all classical productions that formed the basis of the Bolshoi Theater's repertoire.