Sultanbek Gumar, a graduate of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, ballet soloist of the Astana Opera Theatre, and choreographer, has become a laureate of the prestigious interstate “Commonwealth of Debuts” Award. The award ceremony took place at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall.

The distinguished award was presented to the young Kazakh artist in recognition of his outstanding achievements in ballet and choreography. Following the selection process for the 2025 “Commonwealth of Debuts” Award, Sultanbek Gumar was named the laureate representing the Republic of Kazakhstan. Other award recipients included representatives of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in culture, the arts, science, and public service.

Today, the Academy graduate is well known not only to audiences in Kazakhstan but also to the international professional community. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a talented performer and a promising choreographer, successfully combining artistic performance with creative production.

A distinctive feature of his work is the development of a contemporary choreographic language rooted in national traditions. His original productions include Rukh, Toi Bastar, Aralym, Kemel Adam, Ansau, Mankurt, and Alem, as well as The Four Secrets of Eternity, which recently had its world premiere at the Astana Opera Theatre.

The graduate’s creative work also maintains strong ties with the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography. His choreographic pieces form part of the Academy students’ concert and competition repertoire. Works created by Sultanbek Gumar have been performed by Academy students at numerous national and international competitions, earning high praise from professional juries and audiences alike.

His artistic achievements have received international recognition on multiple occasions. In 2025, he became the winner of the National Critics Award “Critics Awards VII” in the “New Name” category. Earlier, he received the Special Prize for Best Choreography at the International Ballet Competition in Liaoning, China. His original productions have also been highly acclaimed by leading ballet critics at international festivals and competitions.

For his contribution to the development of culture and the arts, Sultanbek Gumar has been awarded the state medal Yeren Enbegi Ushin (“For Distinguished Labour”).

The Kazakh National Academy of Choreography congratulates its graduate on this prestigious award and wishes him continued creative success, inspiration, and new achievements on the international stage.