The Kazakh National Academy of Choreography hosted a presentation of the study book “Folk Stage Dance. Theory. Practice” authors: A. Alisheva, N. Abdulina, G. Saifullina, G. Don. Illustrations by Sergali Bakirov; layout and design by Alexey Nekrasov.

The book “Folk stage dance. Theory. Practice” is the first extensive publication in the history of choreographical pedagogy, approved by the Republican Scientific and Methodological Center, the content of education of the Ministry of Education. It reflects the process of development of professional choreographic education and art in Kazakhstan.

In the 30s of the 20th century, the methodological development of character dance began in the USSR, and since the mid-40s it has been systematically developing in Kazakhstan.

“We can say with confidence that this work will serve as a strengthening bridge between the basic foundations of the founders of the discipline, masters of the twentieth century, and the new generation of teachers. The book consists of two parts: Part I – methods for studying the basic and connecting movements of folk stage dance; Part II – Recommendations for practical teaching of folk stage dance lessons. When a viewer sees a beautiful dance on stage, this is the result of the enormous work of teachers in ballet halls. Folk stage dance is not only about composing beautiful combinations and etudes. There are many aspects involved in teaching the discipline: mastering the movements, performing the dance musically, showing the authenticity of the character of a particular people in dance, comprehending the musical-dance coordination of dance movements, etc.,” said the authors of the book.

Folk stage dance is a type of stage dance that involves an artistic synthesis of movements and elements of folk choreography based on the aesthetics of classical dance performance. As a result, vibrant stage dances are created.

“Today we have witnessed the birth of fundamental work. There will be no level of methodological publication for another 50 years. The book contains a huge amount of useful material for practicing teachers and students studying in the field of choreography pedagogy. The uniqueness of the manual is that the authors, leading teachers of folk stage dance, rely on their many years of stage and teaching experience. The Book contains 89 illustrated photographs, each of which conveys movement in development,” says Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor A. Kulbekova.

The authors also announced that the translation of the book into Kazakh language will soon be completed, which will undoubtedly give impetus to the development of professional choreographic education and art.