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Mazol KolontarovaSoviet Tajik dancer, actress, teacher. People's Artist of the USSR (1984).
Date of Birth: 02.09.1950
Country:  Tajikistan |
Content:
- Early Life and Dance Career
- Professional Dance and Film
- Relocating to the United States
- Family
- Honors and Accolades
- - Merited Artist of the Tajik SSR (1972)
Early Life and Dance Career
Malika Kalontarova was born on September 2, 1950, in Stalinabad (now Dushanbe) into a Bukharan Jewish family from Samarkand. Her dance journey began in 1965 when she joined the Tajik ensemble "Lola."
Professional Dance and Film
In 1980, Kalontarova embarked on a successful tenure with the Ensemble of Song and Dance of the Tajik Philharmonic in Dushanbe. She also showcased her artistry on the silver screen, appearing in various films.
Relocating to the United States
In 1993, Kalontarova moved to New York City where she continued her dance career. She established "Malika's International Dance School," where she imparted her knowledge to young dancers.
Family
Kalontarova married Ilya Gulkarov, a renowned musician and honored artist of the Tajik SSR. Their son, Mark, and daughter, Samira (who transitioned from male to female and was formerly known as Artur), followed in their mother's footsteps as performers. She is also the grandmother of two granddaughters and two grandsons.
Honors and Accolades
Throughout her career, Kalontarova received numerous awards and titles:
- Merited Artist of the Tajik SSR (1972)
- People's Artist of the Tajik SSR (1976)- People's Artist of the USSR (1984)
- Rudaki State Prize of the Tajik SSR (1984)
