These days, Almaty was filled with the language of ballet from eight countries — from March 30 to April 4, it hosted the IX International Competition of Choreographic Educational Institutions "Örleu".

This year, it brought together 130 participants from 13 ballet schools and 8 countries. The competition days were held on the stages of the Alexander Seleznev Almaty Choreographic School and the Almaty Theatre.

The program included competitive performances, master classes, a round table for teachers and delegation heads. Everything that creates a professional environment where ballet grows, shares experiences, inspires, and supports.

"Örleu" is a space where classicism meets the future. Since 2018, the competition has been a member of the International Federation of Ballet Competitions under the patronage of UNESCO — a mark of high standards and precise criteria, which the Kazakhstani contest fully meets. It allows participants to grow — artistically, professionally, and personally.

What’s especially moving is to see young contestants from different countries find both inspiration and new friends here. Such meetings matter. Participants discover the culture of another country through dance — in movement, in tradition, in the living presence on stage. Delegation representatives noted that jury members treated each participant with attention, kindness, and professional sensitivity.

This sensitivity was felt in the very atmosphere of the competition. Each school has its own character, its own ballet language, its own teaching and training methods. "Örleu" brings these different voices together, showing how tradition can sound in different ways — and how carefully it is preserved in each country: in approach, plasticity, ballet intonation, and inner style. That is the strength of this competition.

The event culminated in a gala concert at the Abay Theatre. It opened with a parade of schools — all participants took the stage. The program featured performances by first and second prize winners, selected from the competition results. Each number was precise and vibrant. Schools from Asia left a particularly strong impression. South Korea demonstrated a high level of academic ballet. Mongolia — participating for the first time — showed deep stage expression in both classical and folk dance.

At the press conference held at the Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre, the final results were announced. Out of 135 contestants, 76 were recognized, 52 of whom became laureates. The competition had three categories: classical dance (35 laureates), folk dance (11), and contemporary choreography (6).

International Jury:

• Gulzhan Tutkybayeva — People's Artist of Kazakhstan, jury chair

• Sergey Usanov — Vice President of the International Federation of Ballet Competitions

• Valeria Uralskaya — Honored Art Worker of Russia, Professor, Editor-in-Chief of Ballet magazine

• Yuri Vasyuchenko — Honored Artist of Russia and Kazakhstan

• Bedri Tan Sagturk (Turkey) — Director General and Artistic Director of Turkish State Opera and Ballet Theatres

• Gulnara Adamova — Honored Art Worker of Kazakhstan, choreographer, founder of Samruk Theatre

• Choi Joongseok (South Korea) — Vice President of the Board of Trustees, Korean Ballet Association

• Anvara Sadykova — Chief choreographer of the "Gulder" ensemble

Among the honored guests were: People's Artist of the USSR Aisulu Tokombayeva (Kyrgyzstan), Rector of the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography Bibigul Nusipzhanova, as well as artistic directors, school principals, leading ballet teachers, artists, and figures of choreographic art from various countries.

First Prize Laureates – Classical Dance:

• Park Jeong On – BALLET & MODEL AI Academy (South Korea)

• Em Da Yeon – BALLET & MODEL AI Academy (South Korea)

• Kwon Dam Yun – BALLET & MODEL AI Academy (South Korea)

• Dambaev Namzhil – Buryat Republican Choreographic College (Russia)

• Bulchun Ayush – Buryat Republican Choreographic College named after L.P. Sakhyanova and P.T. Abasheev (Russia)

• Syrmanov Abilmansur – Kazakh National Academy of Choreography (Kazakhstan)

• Bataeva Amina, Kasymkhan Alisher — duet, A. Seleznev Almaty Choreographic School (Kazakhstan)

Folk Dance:

• Umarova Shakhlo – Uzbekistan

• Ensemble of the Mongolian State Conservatory – Mongolia

Contemporary Choreography:

• Popova Tatyana, Savvinov Valentin — duet, Yakut Ballet School (College) named after A. and N. Poselsky (Russia)

A congratulatory message was delivered by Yerulan Kanapyanov — co-founder of the competition, philanthropist, President of the Eurasian Cultural Foundation and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the A. Seleznev Almaty Choreographic School. Since 2008, he has supported "Örleu", making a significant contribution to its sustainability and growth.

On behalf of the Eurasian Cultural Foundation, he presented the "Mädeniet qayratkeri" (Honored Cultural Worker) medals to delegates from Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Buryatia, and Yakutia.

Looking ahead — the tenth, anniversary edition of the competition. Delegations are already expressing a desire to return. "Örleu" is alive, evolving, uniting — and that is truly valuable.

Congratulations to all who make this competition possible. We wish you beauty, peace, respect for heritage, and inspiration to move forward.

Heartfelt thanks to the artistic leadership of the A. Seleznev Almaty Choreographic School and the entire creative team — for the high level, sensitivity, atmosphere, and strength with which "Örleu" unfolds and resonates.

With love,
Aya Kaliyeva