From October 21 to 27, 2025, Beijing hosted the 9th Beijing Ballet Competition among dance schools and performers. During the same period, within the framework of the World Dance Education Alliance (WDEA), the 2025 Beijing Dance Academy Forum and an exclusive gala concert featuring leading choreography schools from around the world took place.
Students of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, Torgyn Leben and Ali Kussainov, participated in the exclusive showcase “Beauty and Harmony: Global Exchange in Dance Education”, performing the Pas de Deux from P. Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty”, choreographed by Marius Petipa. Their teacher was Svetlana Kokshinova.
The Academy’s participation in both events became possible thanks to its membership in the World Dance Education Alliance, which unites 70 leading choreography institutions from 38 countries across five continents.
It is worth noting that the Academy’s Rector, Bibigul Nusipzhanova, serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Alliance. In her congratulatory remarks, she emphasized that the students’ performance coincided with Republic Day and extended her congratulations to all compatriots on this national holiday and the students’ achievements.
This year, the competition brought together 57 participants from 10 countries. Representing Kazakhstan with distinction, the Academy’s student Abilmansur Syrmanov won the gold medal.
The jury included world ballet stars such as Nina Ananiashvili, Vladimir Malakhov, Xin Lili, Eric Gilliere, and others. The advisory panel featured prominent figures Xiao Suhua, Zhao Ruheng, and Feng Ying.
In the final, the Kazakh ballet representative performed Albert’s variation from Adolphe Adam’s “Giselle”, as well as a contemporary dance piece. The program was highly praised by the Beijing audience for its professionalism and artistry. The final took place on the stage of the Dance Theatre of the Beijing Dance Academy.
The competition provided participants with a valuable opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage and attract the attention of leading choreography professionals. In addition, master classes in classical dance by world-renowned artists were held for the contestants.
The competition program was prepared under the guidance of Altynai Asylmuratova, Artistic Director of the Academy, and Aset Murzakulov, teacher of the School-College of Professional Education.
“Participation and success in such international events provide our students with unique experience, inspire new achievements, and contribute greatly to the development of the Kazakh ballet school. This is an important step toward strengthening Kazakhstan’s reputation on the global ballet stage,” — said Altynai Asylmuratova.
The Academy expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for their warm welcome and high-level event management, as well as to everyone who supported and inspired the participants throughout their journey.
The trip was made possible with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, CNPC, Petro Kazakhstan, and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Beijing.
