Obituary. Vladimir Curbet

A great master, man who dedicated all his life to the choreographic traditions and artistic expressions of the folk dance Vladimir Curbet died today. He was first ballet master and educated tens of generations of artists at the JOC National Academic State Folk Dance Ensemble.   
Vladimir Curbet was born in the Susleni village, Orhei district, on 5 December 1930. In 1966, Curbet finished the Musical School (now Musical College) Stefan Neaga. In 1958, he became artistic director and first ballet master of the JOC National Academic State Folk Dance Ensemble.
Vladimir Curbet staged and performed, with the JOC Ensemble, about 10,000 shows in over 70 countries, with the folk dance becoming a visiting card and a symbol of Moldova abroad and the JOC Ensemble – a true ambassador of the national culture. The Master’s works have a special place in the National Heritage.   
Vladimir Curbet asserted himself as folklorist and publicist, recorded innumerable melodies and texts of folk songs, published a string of articles, studies and books on the specific feature, origin, history and way of interpretation of the Moldovan folk dance, on need to preserve and creatively develop the popular traditions and customs. He collected over 6,000 songs and folk dance melodies, many of them  contained in his nine books.      
We are deeply sorrowed and regret this huge loss. In these sad moments, we express our full sympathy with the mourning family and convey sincere condolences to all those who knew and appreciated him.  
 
 May he rest in peace. 
 
 Igor Dodon, President of Moldova
 
 Andrian Candu, Parliament Speaker  
 
 Pavel Filip, Prime Minister 
Monica Babuc, Education, Culture and Research Minister