While our team is on vacation and the admission campaign is gaining momentum, I’m taking a moment to share something that shouldn't stay behind the scenes.
Not long ago, we held a pedagogical council at the academy, and the results inspired me to write this short note. Because behind every word are stages, halls, exams, emotions, music, lights, success. And people. Incredible people.
Our choreography school is truly unique — unlike any other educational institution. Here you’ll find discipline and hard work, beauty and elegance, tears and smiles. Here children learn French and solve algebra problems, perform Kazakh dance and master classical variations. In the morning, 9th graders write essays; in the evening, they shine in parts from Don Quixote. There are no typical weekends here, but every day is full of inspiration.
This academic year was incredibly rich. Just within the course showcases, 53 new pieces were performed — including ballet duets, folk, and contemporary compositions.
Graduation performances ranged from Balanchine’s classical pas de deux to excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and La Fille Mal Gardée. The graduation concert featured Chopiniana and the Polovtsian Dances.
There were tours, offsite performances, and 15 full concerts — celebratory, competitive, and charitable.
A milestone event was our participation in the first international festival of Turkic ballet and choreography schools in Ankara, organized by TÜRKSOY and Hacettepe University. This led to a cooperation agreement with Turkic choreography schools.
Our international presence grew stronger: students represented the academy in competitions in Bishkek, Antalya, and Ankara. In the Örleu competition finals, 26 students became laureates. Six masterclasses were held, including one on Bournonville technique by Dinna Bjørn, a teacher at the Royal Danish Theatre.
In total — 40 winners, 36 of them at the international level.
The work of our academic and methodological departments is a separate source of pride. Over the year, we produced 32 publications, 18 methodological guides, and held 30 open lessons and the same number of events.
94 students and 26 teachers took part in competitions and Olympiads — this is the foundation of professional growth and a system where everyone knows what they’re doing and why.
And yes — our students are incredible. Talented, beautiful, hardworking. They win, participate, create, and inspire. They are already the face of tomorrow's culture. And I’m happy to be part of this process.
My heartfelt thanks go to our colleagues, students, parents, partners, and friends. Thank you for your hard and inspiring work.
Enjoy your rest, dear teachers and students. And we’re preparing to welcome new ones.
The Almaty Choreographic School is waiting for those who feel the stage with their hearts. Those ready to work, dream, and dance.
Admissions are ongoing — and maybe you will be the next to step onto our stage.
With love, Aya Kaliyeva!
