From October 21 to 27, 2025, Beijing hosted the 9th Beijing Ballet Competition for Dance Schools and Performances 2025. During the same period, within the framework of the World Dance Education Alliance, the 2025 Beijing Dance Academy Forum and an exclusive gala performance featuring leading choreography schools from around the world took place.

Students of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, Torgyn Leben and Ali Kusainov, took part in the exclusive showcase “Beauty in Harmony: Within the Framework of Global Dance Education Exchange.” They performed the Pas de Deux from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s “The Sleeping Beauty” choreographed by Marius Petipa. Their instructor was Svetlana Kokshinova.

The invitation to participate in both events became possible thanks to the efforts of the World Dance Education Alliance, of which the Academy is a member. The Alliance unites 70 leading choreography institutions from 38 countries across all five continents.

It is noteworthy that Bibigul Nusipzhanova, Rector of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, serves as Deputy Chairperson of the World Dance Education Alliance. In her welcoming speech, she emphasized the symbolism of the performance coinciding with the celebration of Kazakhstan’s Republic Day. She also congratulated fellow citizens on the national holiday and the students’ achievements.

This year’s competition gathered 57 participants from 10 countries, where Kazakhstan was proudly represented by Abylmansur Syrmanov, a student of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, who won the Gold Medal.

The distinguished panel of judges included Nina Ananiashvili, Vladimir Malakhov, Xin Lili, Éric Quilleré, and other world ballet stars. Among the competition advisors were Xiao Suhua, Zhao Ruheng, and Feng Ying, along with other prominent figures in the dance world.

In the final round, the representative of the Kazakh ballet school performed Albrecht’s variation from Adolphe Adam’s “Giselle” as well as a contemporary piece. His performance captivated the Beijing audience with its professional artistry. The final took place on the stage of the Dance Theatre at the Beijing Dance Academy.

The competition provided participants with an opportunity to showcase their mastery on an international stage and drew the attention of professionals from the world of choreography. In addition to performances, contestants attended masterclasses in classical dance led by renowned ballet masters.

The competition program was prepared under the careful guidance of Artistic Director of the Academy, Altynai Asylmuratova, and teacher of the School-College of Professional Education, Aset Murzakulov.

“Participation and victories in such events give our students unique experience, motivate them toward new achievements, and make a significant contribution to the development of the Kazakh ballet school. This is an important step in strengthening Kazakhstan’s position on the world ballet stage,” noted Altynai Asylmuratova, Artistic Director of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography.

The Academy expresses its sincere gratitude to the organizers for their warm hospitality and the high level of preparation and execution of the competition. We also extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and inspired our participants throughout their journey.

This trip became possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, CNPC, Petro Kazakhstan, and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Beijing.