WELCOME TO KAZAKHSTAN

Ballet is an art form in which movement tells a story, conveys feelings, and connects different eras. Through ballet, the stage speaks of people, their choices, history, and inner world, uniting the past and present in a single artistic space. Today, ballet increasingly transcends the confines of classical form, addressing philosophical themes, national heritage, and pressing contemporary issues.In Kazakhstan, ballet is experiencing a period of meaningful renewal. National images, historical narratives, and cultural codes are being reimagined through contemporary choreography, set design, and visual language. Such productions are becoming more than just performances, but spaces for dialogue between eras, tradition, and the future.One such significant work is the ballet "Uly Zhibek Zholy" – a large-scale production in which the historical image of the Great Silk Road is revealed as a philosophical metaphor for cultural exchange, continuity, and human values. We spoke with Kazakh prima ballerina, choreographer, ballet master, and teacher Gulzhan Tutkibaeva about the development of ballet, stage design, the role of national themes, and the significance of this production.– What is the artistic highlight of the production "Uly Zhibek Zholy" and how does it differ from other projects presented in Kazakhstan?– First of all, the ballet "Uly Zhibek Zholy" stands out for its idea and its holistic, modern concept. The theme of the Great Silk Road is incredibly multilayered: it is simultaneously captivating, relevant, and challenging to express artistically in ballet form. The production is constructed as a synthesis of multifaceted choreography, thoughtful movement style, set design, lighting, and visual effects, all utilizing modern technology. The theme of the Great Silk Road is interesting for both the director and the audience, as it is based on the fundamental idea of ​​cultural dialogue. The key idea of ​​the performance is to preserve the best traditions and mutual understanding between people and nations, which must be carried forward through the centuries into the distant future.– Ballet unites the past, present, and future through a philosophical narrative. Why did the Great Silk Road become the intersection of history, philosophy, and contemporary artistic expression for you?– The Great Silk Road played a key role in the history of Kazakhstan, becoming a space for active cultural, spiritual, and civilizational exchange. Ideas, beliefs, artistic forms, and knowledge passed along it, shaping cities, traditions, and the worldviews of peoples. It was important for us to portray it as a symbol of cultural dialogue, mutual respect, and the ability to coexist in diversity. These values ​​remain relevant today, in a world that is once again seeking common ground between the past and the future.– Through the language of ballet, we sought to remind everyone that development is only possible where cultural continuity and respect for differences are preserved. What semantic and philosophical trajectory do you intend for the plot, and what message is it addressed to the audience?– I believe the production is structured as a journey through time, in which the audience is invited to simultaneously reflect on the future, comprehend the present, and turn to the past. The transition from the digital world to the era of the Great Silk Road becomes not just a temporal contrast, but a philosophical device that allows us to compare the values ​​of different eras.Through the protagonist, the audience experiences a whole range of emotions. The storyline offers the opportunity to present a gallery of vivid images and characters, each reflecting a specific state, era, or idea.– What role do ethnic elements play in revealing the artistic concept?The use of ethnic elements in this production is very important, as they form its artistic and semantic foundation. National costumes, the character of the movements, the set design, and visual images are not merely a decorative backdrop – they are directly dictated by the play's dramaturgy and contribute to the development of its message. Through ethnic motifs, the audience perceives the cultural code, historical context, and inner atmosphere of each scene. The performance's visual language is largely built on symbols: set design, movement, lighting, and choreography help convey meaning where words would be superfluous.– How do you assess the contribution of the entire creative team to the artistic integrity of this work?– Each participant in the process brought not only professional experience but also personal involvement. For composer Aigerim Erkebaeva, this was her first experience creating a two-act ballet. The music is cohesive, dramatically structured, and seamlessly interacts with the choreography. Set designer Alexandra Rychkova showed a deep interest in the project and subtly understood its concept. Lighting designer Tatyana Mishina contributed greatly. She is a highly skilled master whose lighting design not only highlights the action but also creates the emotional atmosphere of each scene. Video content designer Marat Sagatdinov captured the style and mood of the production very accurately.I'd like to especially highlight the role of assistants Ruslan Kadyrov, Olzhas Makhanbetaliev, and Gulvira Kurbanova. They approached their work with great professionalism, responsibility, and creativity, demonstrating their complete commitment to the project. It is precisely this kind of teamwork that makes it possible to create a coherent and powerful artistic work.– How did the audience receive the premiere, and what, in your opinion, is the key to this ballet's enduring interest? Does it have the potential for a long stage life?– The audience received the premiere very warmly. I didn't expect such a response. It was especially valuable for me to see that the audience didn't just watch the performance, but felt it and understood its meaning. As for the future of this production in the repertoire, it's impossible to give a definitive answer. The fate of any ballet depends on many factors, but the final say always rests with the audience. We create something new specifically for them, and it is their interest that determines the longevity of the performance.– What role do you see in the development of national art and its recognition beyond the country's borders by such productions?– Contemporary ballet productions often incorporate elements of other art forms and digital technologies, making them more appealing to a wider audience. This helps us promote national culture in a global context at the intersection of tradition and innovation.Thus, productions that bridge the past and the present play an important role in disseminating cultural values, strengthening ties between generations, and opening new horizons for national art on the world stage.