Damir Tasmagambetov – originates from the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan – located in the heart of Central Asia. Damir holds a Bachelor and M.A degree from two Universities of Dance – one for each discipline in their respective country of origin.
Since taking his first dance steps at age of six, Damir has continued his trajectory across the world, taking part in different companies and training in prestigious dance academies. His passion for dance led him to train in the fascinating and exotic style of Indian classical dance – known as Bharatanatyam. He was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), studying this dance style in Chennai, India, at the College of Fine Arts Rukmini Devi Arundale “Kalakshetra” from 2012 to 2016.
He completed his studies at the Kalakshetra Foundation with a 1st class Diploma in Bharatanatyam. Following this he continued to expand his knowledge in Indian Classical Dance by joining The University of Madras to complete his master’s degree in Bharatanatyam. In 2017 he graduated from the University of Madras with a 1st Class Diploma, Master of Arts in Bharatanatyam.
In 2017, the Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR) selected him to be Empanelment in the ICCR’s Reference Panel of Artistes. By special invitation Damir was selected to become a Member of the International Dance Council(CID) under UNESCO in Paris, France.
As an extremely passionate dancer, Damir has worked hard to stay within the dance field. He has given numerous solo and group performances at major dance celebrations and many prestigious platforms in India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the USA.
Damir Tasmagambetov is the first and only professional male Bharatanatyam dancer from Kazakhstan. He continuously works on developing spiritual values among the people of the world through classical and elite art, strengthening cultural ties and friendships between Kazakhstan and India. He has promoted Indian art and culture in Kazakhstan and abroad. Today he is a well-known artist with his creative work well publicized by mass media in both Kazakhstan and abroad.Currently based in Brooklyn, New York, Damir is committed to spreading a deep understanding of Indian classical traditions through teaching within the USA. As an educator he has given lectures, demonstrations and workshops in both museums and schools throughout the NYC area. He strives to train the next generation of Bharatanatyam artists that share his passion and joy for the art, helping them develop the skills necessary to explore new possibilities within this art in today’s world.
• Concert dedicated to the 15 years of establishment of Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and India, New Delhi 2007
• Concert for the Vice-President of India, Sri Mohammad Hamid Ansari in 2008, during his official visit to Kazakhstan
• International Students Day Cultural Program organised by “Indian Council For Cultural Relations” (ICCR) 22nd January 2016, Chennai, Tamilnadu.
• “Dance Wing of Narada Gana Sabha” , ‘Music to Schools- Interactive Bharatanatyam Concert’ on 11th February 2016, Chennai High School, Tamilnadu
• “Natya Vizha” Dance festival on compositions of Dr. Rukmini Ramani. Presented “Anubhavam” Margam as part of ‘Aradhana’ dance troupe, on 27th June 2016 Chennai, Tamilnadu
• “Ram Katha” dance drama an intimate exploration of the Ramayana through bhajans as part of Sahrdaya dance assemble, on 20th November 2016 Bangalore, Karnataka
• “Goloka-Fest Almaty 2017” on 1st May 2017 Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Dance Parade – Showcase Gala on 8th April 2018, at Dixon Place Theatre, New York, USA.
• 12th Annual Dance Parade: Dance Fest on 19th May 2018, at Tompkins Square Park, New York, USA.
• “Silk Road Festival 2018” on May 27th 2018, at Master Theatre, New York, USA.
• “NAACH 360 Dance Extravaganza” organized by Nritya Creations Academy of Dance, on June 26th 2018, New Jersey, USA.
• “Son of Steppes” Kazakh folk dance performance as part of 37th Annual Battery Dance Festival 2018, on 17th August 2018, at Robert F.Wagner Junior Park, New York, USA.
• “NatyaMala” – Garland of Dance, a Bharatanatyam recital in collaboration with RagaChitra Fine Arts on 9th February 2019, at Queens Library Sunnyside.
• “Silk Road Festival 2019” on June 2nd 2019, at Master Theatre, New York, USA.
• “Don’t Stop Believing” a Charity Showcase on July 13th 2019, New York, USA.
• Swathi Thirunal Music and Dance Festival 2019, on 19th October 2019 at Ghandi Bhavan, Hindu Centre Charlote, North Carolina, USA.
• “8 in Show” concerte at Dixon Place on 20th November 2019, New York, USA.
• “Dances of Silk Road” under City Lore program in Schools on 25th November 2019, New York, USA.
• “Fall Dance Series” on 1st December 2019 at Manhattan Movement & Arts Centre, New York, USA.
• “Dance for Cure” Fundraiser Gala for American Cancer Society Relay For Life om 7th December 2019, at Andrew Carnegie Music Hall Pennsylvania, USA.
1. Silver Medal Winner at World Championship of Performing Arts 2020, Hollywood, USA.
2. Best Educator 2020 award in the Category “Dance-Bharatanatyam” from SCL Rhythms Reserch Centre, Mumbai, India.
3. 1st Prize winer of Papanasam Sivan Songs and Dance Competition 2020, New Jersey, USA.
4. 2nd Prize at the Dance Festival “Kun-Shuak 2006” Almaty, Kazakhstan.
5. Award Winner of the 5th Youth Festival “Almaty Jastar Kalasy 2009” under Youth Developmemt Fund and Akimat of Almaty City, Kazakhstan.
6. Achievement Award for Excellence in Silk Road Festival 2018-2019 New York, USA.