People's Artist of Belarus Valentina Gaevaya has passed away

Today, People's Artist of Belarus Valentina Gaevaya passed away. One of the founders of the legendary ensemble "Khoroshki" died at the age of 90.

Valentina Ivanovna was a laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Belarus, a recipient of the Order of Francysk Skaryna and the Order of Friendship of Peoples.

Originally from the Volga region, after graduating from the Higher School in Leningrad, all doors were open for the young choreographer. Gaevaya was officially invited to join the Pyatnitsky Choir in Moscow. However, due to family circumstances, Valentina moved to Mogilev to lead a children's and youth studio at an automobile plant. Together with Nikolai Dudchenko, Valentina Gaevaya painstakingly collected folk traditions, observing authentic dance steps at village weddings and performances by dancers from collective farms. Strict but deeply devoted to her craft, Valentina Ivanovna trained generations of artists.

The President has expressed condolences to the family and close ones of the People's Artist of Belarus.