From 21 to 26 September 2026, the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography hosted a choreographic residency for students of the School-College of Professional Education and the Faculty of Choreography.

Throughout the week, Zhang Le, a choreographer, National First-Class Performer of China and teacher at Beijing Dance Academy, worked alongside her assistant, Wu Ting Xiyan, with students pursuing the Dance Ensemble Artist qualification and students of the Faculty of Choreography.

Zhang Le is a choreographer, teacher and performer specialising in dance education, stage performance, and the teaching of Chinese ethnic and folk dance. She is a member of the China Dancers Association and the Beijing Dancers Association. Zhang Le won a bronze medal in the traditional dance category at the 8th Seoul International Dance Competition, first prize at the Beijing Dance Competition for her performance in Chasing the Moon, and awards at the national Taoli Cup Dance Competition. Her choreographic works have been presented at international competitions and leading performance venues across China.

The sessions focused on Han Chinese folk dance, including its distinctive movement vocabulary, plasticity, performance style and specific features of stage interpretation.

In addition to learning new choreographic material, the participants gained a deeper understanding of Chinese dance traditions. They learned to feel the national character of the dance and convey it through movement, plastic expression and stage presence.

Particular attention was paid to the interaction between the choreographer and performers, ensemble coordination, precision of execution and the creation of a cohesive stage image.

As a result of the masterclasses, the Academy’s repertoire was enriched with two new choreographic works created by Zhang Le: Ode to Mountains and Rivers and Dance of Yangge, Heart of Kinship.

A cultural programme was organised for Zhang Le during her stay in Astana. The choreographer expressed her admiration for the capital’s architecture, Kazakhstan’s national culture and the hospitality of its people, noting the vivid impressions she gained from discovering the country.

The choreographic residency marked an important step in the Academy’s international cooperation. The project contributed to the students’ professional development, broadened their creative horizons, facilitated the exchange of teaching and performance experience, and further strengthened cultural and educational ties with Beijing Dance Academy.