In the capital of Kazakhstan, at the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, the International Competition of Young Choreographers has officially started, dedicated to International Dance Day.

This large-scale creative event is taking place from April 20 to 22, 2026, bringing together young choreographers from Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.

The event serves as a professional platform for showcasing original works, exchanging experience, and developing international cooperation in the field of choreographic art. In addition, the program includes competition performances, master classes by leading experts, and the forum “Digital Transformation of Arts Universities: Challenges and Prospects.”

The aim of the competition is to support the creative potential of young people, strengthen international cultural ties, and promote choreographic art.

On the first day, April 20, the opening ceremony took place in the Academy’s educational theater. The event was marked by a formal ceremony during which participants познакомились with members of the international jury and with each other.

The competition will be judged by professionals in the field of choreography: Konstantin Zaklinsky, Chairman of the Jury, holder of the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), 2nd Class, Honored Artist of the RSFSR (Russian Federation); Irma Cardano, an international choreographer and teacher (Italy); and Anvara Sadykova, Chief Ballet Master of the Gulder ensemble, Candidate of Art Studies, and recipient of the state award “Yeren Enbegi Ushin” (Kazakhstan).

A welcoming speech was delivered by Nelli Petkova, Head of the External Communications Department of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS Member States:

“Our foundation supports 60–80 projects annually. However, your project, aimed at professional ballet choreographers, is unique. Kazakh ballet has rightfully earned high recognition worldwide. Yes, it was originally based on the classical Russian ballet school, but today it has developed its own distinct identity and is recognized by the global ballet community. Anatoly Iksanov, the director of our foundation and one of the best theater managers in Russia (he led the Bolshoi Theatre for many years), always told me: ‘Listen to opera at La Scala, watch ballet at the Bolshoi.’ But as soon as he learned that I was going to Astana, he said: ‘Watch ballet in Astana as well.’ The second reason why A. Iksanov could not help but support this competition is the excellent conditions that the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography offers to festival participants. Everything here is truly arranged so that both Kazakh students and guests from different countries can gain valuable experience. The Academy is led by a person who also has a connection to our foundation—Ms. Bibigul Nusipzhanova. She is a laureate of the “Stars of the Commonwealth” award, established by our foundation for professional achievements at a world-class level. And the third reason is that the Academy’s project creates an opportunity for ballet schools from different countries to communicate. Masters from many countries have come to this competition. This means that participants have the opportunity to enrich their knowledge and skills. I wish all participants of this festival—both young artists and masters—great success and productive work. I wish you every success!”

In response, the Rector of the Academy, Bibigul Nusipzhanova, delivered a welcoming speech. In her address, she emphasized the mission of the event:

“It is no coincidence that this competition is dedicated to Dance Day. This is a celebration that unites us all in the name of creation, creativity, inspiration, peace, and harmony. We speak to each other in the language of dance—and this is the most important thing, it is what brings us closer and unites us.”

After introducing the teams and thanking the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS Member States for their support, B. Nusipzhanova addressed the young participants:

“Young, beautiful, talented, and ambitious people from different countries have gathered here. We would like to wish that this platform becomes a starting point for you, allowing you to раскрыться. We believe that supporting young choreographers is a fundamental investment in the future of world culture, and we see such potential in you. I wish you all success, inexhaustible inspiration, and a creative flight of thought, body, and spirit. Let beauty save the world.”

On the same day, master classes were held by leading specialists from Italy, Russia, Bashkortostan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the international forum of choreographic art, special attention was given to master classes presented by leading teachers and experts from different countries.

Participants from the Republic of Bashkortostan conducted a master class in Bashkir dance under the guidance of senior lecturer Alsu Mulyukova.

The Kyrgyz Republic was represented by Zamira Mazhenova, Head of the Department of Choreography at the Kyrgyz National University of Culture and Arts named after B. Beishenaliev, who conducted a master class in Kyrgyz dance.

From the Republic of Uzbekistan, Susanna Useinova, a преподаватель of the Uzbekistan State Academy of Choreography, presented a master class in Uzbek dance.

The Russian Federation was represented by the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, where a master class in Russian dance was conducted by master’s student Leonid Chistyakov.

In addition, international jury member Irma Cardano conducted a master class for the competition participants on the technique of the American dancer and choreographer José Limón.

Thus, the master class program covered a wide range of national dance traditions, allowing participants of the forum to explore the особенности of Bashkir, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, and Russian choreography, as well as to exchange professional experience in the field of stage art.

A master class on Kazakh dance within the competition program will be held at a later stage.