From November 10 to 15, 2025, the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography hosted master classes for a Japanese school.

A delegation from the Yoshiko Takagi Ballet School (Tokyo, Japan), consisting of 23 students and 3 teachers, took part in the autumn school, which is held annually at the Academy.

Throughout the week, the Japanese guests attended master classes in folk-stage and classical dance. The Academy staff also organized a cultural and entertainment program, including excursions to the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the “Astana Opera” and “Astana Ballet” theaters, and a city tour featuring Baiterek, the Main Republican Mosque, the EXPO complex, Mega Silk Way. The visitors were also fortunate to attend a performance of Romeo and Juliet at “Astana Ballet” and purchase national souvenirs at one of Astana’s shops.

Esie Narisawa shared her impressions of her stay in Kazakhstan:

“Our children really enjoyed the Academy, studying with local teachers and observing their work. They loved Astana — in Japan, only a few cities get snow, and some of the children had never seen it before. Everyone was deeply impressed by the master classes and excursions.

What I really like about the master classes is that the teachers teach children the purity of execution and the correct positions of the arms and legs. We also try to work on this at home, and it is difficult.

On every trip, I bring different children. Everyone learns differently, but we are always welcomed by very strong teachers, and the children eagerly absorb the knowledge. Our impressions from visiting your country are always very positive.

I have been to Kazakhstan many times, including in Almaty, where I performed as a ballet dancer. Kazakh people have always welcomed me warmly. Kazakhstan is close to my heart; perhaps in some ways our peoples are similar. That is why I don’t feel like a stranger here — there is a cozy feeling of being at home.

In the future, I would like to bring as many children as possible to the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography so that they can experience the high level of the Kazakh ballet school.”