On Saturday, the dancer, choreographer and dance professor Štefan Nosáľ died at the age of ninety. Nosáľ devoted his whole professional life to the Slovak world-famous folklore ensemble Lúčnica as its choreographer and artistic director.
"Only few people managed to maintain and develop Slovak folklore and make it into an important brand of our country, which is admired even abroad," wrote Slovak President Andrej Kiska on his social media profile. Culture Minister Marek Maďarič said that Nosáľ's personality was characterised by an exceptional talent, as well as diligence, humility and wisdom. "This is partly why in his work and life he was never doubted and was always recognised and admired by all," said Maďarič, adding that Nosál's work deeply touched and still touches people's souls. Profound sorrow over Nosáľ's passing was also expressed by Lúčnica's members and representatives. The troupe's manager Július Jackuliak said that Nosáľ would forever have a place in the hearts of Lúčnica's "big family" and the whole of Slovakia.
Born in Hriňová (Banská Bystrica region) on January 20th, 1927, Nosáľ obtained a degree in civil engineering in Bratislava in 1953 before going on to study dance choreography. A Lúčnica dancer since 1949, he was appointed as the ensemble's artistic director and choreographer only two years later. He created over 100 dance compositions and a number of features and thematic compositions during his prolific career. He also had a long career as a professor at the Academy of Performing Arts (VŠMU) in Bratislava. The period of almost 70 years during which Nosáľ was Lúčnica's artistic director is viewed as a unique feat worldwide. Lúčnica started off as a troupe of young enthusiasts from the Živena Society in 1948. Štefan Nosáľ received a number of accolades, including the Ľudovít Štúr Order (Second Class) from the state in 1997. Ten years later, he was awarded the Pribina Cross (First Class).
