On 26 September 2026, the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography hosted a series of events marking the 75th anniversary of Toigan Ospanovna Izim, Honoured Artist of the Kazakh SSR, Candidate of Art Studies and Professor.

Toigan Ospanovna Izim is a teacher, choreographer and researcher who has made a significant contribution to the preservation and development of Kazakh national dance. She devoted more than 27 years to her performing career, appearing with the folklore ensembles Sherter, Sazgen and Altynai. Choreographic education, the training of young professionals and the academic study of the national dance heritage hold an important place in her professional career.

The programme began with a photo exhibition organised by Anvara Aripovna Sadykova, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Choreographic Art, Candidate of Art Studies and Chief Choreographer of the Gülder Ensemble. The exhibition featured stage costumes and materials from Toigan Izim’s photographic archive, highlighting the principal stages of her long-standing performing, teaching and academic career.

This was followed by an official ceremony during which colleagues, students and representatives of the professional community congratulated Toigan Ospanovna on her anniversary and expressed their appreciation for her many years of dedicated service and contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s choreographic art.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the “Enbek Ardageri” (Veteran of Labour) Medal, a unified departmental award of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to Toigan Ospanovna Izim. She received this distinguished award in recognition of her many years of dedicated service, outstanding professional achievements and significant contribution to the development of national choreographic art and education.

The programme continued with a creative meeting. Participants shared memories of working with the honouree and spoke about her teaching excellence and influence on the professional development of several generations of performers, teachers, choreographers and researchers of Kazakh dance.

The anniversary programme also included the Republican Scientific and Practical Conference titled “The Heritage and Transformation of Kazakh Dance: Methodology, Archiving and the Contemporary Context.” The conference brought together scholars, teachers and practitioners in the field of choreographic art, as well as representatives of educational institutions from Kazakhstan and abroad.

During the plenary session, participants discussed the historical origins and traditions of continuity in choreographic art, the play and dance culture of Central Asia, the preservation and systematisation of the Kazakh dance heritage, and contemporary approaches to the development of national choreography.

Particular attention was given to Toigan Ospanovna Izim’s role in establishing the academic school of Kazakh dance, her methodological works and her professional career. The presentations addressed the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, the transmission of national dance traditions to future generations and the development of choreographic education in the contemporary context.

On 27 September 2026, the anniversary programme continued at the Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev State Academic Philharmonic with the commemorative gala evening “Öner Biigindegi Qos Shynar.” The event marked the 75th anniversary of Toigan Izim, Honoured Artist of the Kazakh SSR and Professor, and honoured the memory of Usen Makan, Cultural Figure of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The evening brought together colleagues, students, members of the creative community and admirers of choreographic art. The concert programme featured performances reflecting the creative legacy of these two distinguished figures of national culture, their contribution to the development of Kazakh dance and their role in educating new generations of performers.

The anniversary events became a meaningful expression of profound respect for Toigan Ospanovna Izim’s many years of creative, pedagogical and research work.