Izrailov, Tankho Selimovich

Born Dec. 30, 1917 (Jan. 12, 1918), in Makhachkala. Soviet dancer and choreographer. People’s Artist of the USSR (1978).

From 1934 to 1936, Izrailov was artistic director of a Tat dance ensemble, and from 1937 to 1954 he was a soloist with the Folk Dance Ensemble of the USSR under the direction of I. A. Moiseev. From 1949 to 1954 he also studied in the choreography department of the State Institute of Theatrical Arts. From 1954 to 1955 he was artistic director of the Zhok Ensemble, and from 1955 to 1958 he headed the Dance Ensemble of the Turkmen SSR, which he had organized himself. In 1958 he became director of the Lezginka Dance Ensemble of Dagestan.

Izrailov has been awarded two orders and several medals.