Born: 1996
Nationality: Kazakhstani
Education: Almaty Choreographic School, Almaty, Kazakhstan, 2006-14
Previous companies: The Russian State Ballet, Moscow, 2014-15, and Theater Kiel, 2015-17
Career: Joined the Royal Danish Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet in 2017
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What was the first ballet you saw?
Don Quixote – it was incredible, I still remember that day.
Why did you start dancing?
When I was 8 years old, I was one of the best football players in Almaty. At that time, I did not know anything about ballet. My aunt was a teacher in a ballet school and she was the one who brought me into the ballet world. When I got into the ballet school I really started to like it.
What is your favorite ballet?
The Fountain of Bakhchisaray and Spartacus . I enjoy dancing big Russian ballets, because I understand the culture and mentality.
Who is your favorite dancer?
Leonid Sarafanov, Rolando Sarabia and Dastan Chinybayev.
What is so special about the Royal Danish Ballet?
The history. It is the third oldest ballet theater in the world. I feel so lucky to work in this old nstitution. And my colleagues – the most friendly team.
What is your favorite step from class?
Jumps. Mostly big jumps. Because I can show to everyone how ballet can be so powerful and beautiful.
Who is your favorite ballet shoe maker?
So Danca. They are always comfortable.
What is your favorite food?
Kazakh cuisine (beshbarmak)
What is your favorite holiday destination?
Kazakhstan. I really love my country and I am so proud that I am Kazakh.
Do you have any hobbies?
Football, mixed martial arts, boxing etc. I really love sports.
Is there anything you can’t live without?
My family. The most important thing in my life is my family.
Where can we find you on a day off?
On the football pitch or at home watching football games.
Read more about Meirambek Nazargozhayev:
Instagram: @meiram.alban