On February 13–14, 2026, the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography launched professional development courses for teachers of secondary and supplementary education under the educational programs “Theory and Methodology of Teaching Kazakh Dance” and “Theory and Methodology of Teaching Eastern Dance.”

Each program comprises 72 academic hours and is delivered in a blended learning format, combining in-person practical sessions with online theoretical instruction.

The courses brought together educators and leaders of choreographic groups from various regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including the North Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda, West Kazakhstan, Mangystau, Atyrau, and Akmola regions, as well as the city of Astana. The wide geographical representation of participants highlights the strong professional interest in the Academy’s educational initiatives.

The professional development course “Theory and Methodology of Teaching Eastern Dance,” implemented since February 13, 2026, is also included in the List of programs approved by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The relevance of this program is determined by the need to update professional competencies of choreography teachers, improve teaching methodologies for the dances of Eastern peoples (Uzbek, Uyghur, Tajik, Iranian, Syrian, Korean, and Chinese), and develop coordination, expressiveness, and musicality.

The course instructor is:

• Gulnara Yusupovna Saitova — Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Candidate of Art Studies, Professor, winner of the “Best University Teacher – 2020” award, Honorary Professor of the Uzbek National Academy of Choreography, and author of more than 90 scholarly and educational works on Eastern dance.

The program “Theory and Methodology of Teaching Kazakh Dance,” which commenced on February 14, 2026, is included in the List of Professional Development Educational Programs approved by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The program is aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of dance educators in line with the development of national choreographic art and contemporary approaches to choreographic pedagogy.

The program is delivered by:

• Anvara Aripovna Sadykova — Candidate of Art Studies, recipient of the state medal “Yeren Enbegi Ushin”, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Choreographic Composition;
• Almat Sherdarovich Shamshiyev — Instructor of special disciplines at the School-College of Professional Education, holder of the honorary badge “Outstanding Cultural Worker.”

The initial days of the courses demonstrated a high level of motivation, engagement, and professional interest among participants. The organizers have already received requests to continue and expand similar professional development programs in the future.

The Kazakh National Academy of Choreography expresses its sincere gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and dedication to the art of dance, and is confident that the knowledge and skills acquired will contribute to improving the quality of choreographic education and fostering a deeper interest in dance among the younger generation.