Dear friends and ballet lovers! If you want to take a look behind the scenes and feel the everyday life of a ballet artist — the premiere of “What Ballet Is Silent About” will surely move you.

The State Academic Dance Theatre of the Republic of Kazakhstan, founded by Bulat Ayukhanov, ended its 57th season with a rich program combining classical works, history, and a fresh look at the stage.

Part I — Tradition and Stage

The first part featured concert numbers from the classical repertoire set to Western European composers. Also included were legendary productions by Bulat Ayukhanov: “Paquita” (music by L. Minus), “The Lady of the Camellias” (G. Verdi), and “The Swan” (C. Saint-Saëns).

It was heartwarming to see experienced masters and young graduates of the Almaty Choreographic School sharing the stage — their skill and energy showed the tradition continues.

Part II — “What Ballet Is Silent About”

In the second act, the audience witnessed the premiere of “What Ballet Is Silent About”, choreographed by Oleg Ignatiev.

It’s not a narrative ballet in the traditional sense but follows a rhythm, inner motion, and familiar moments — from curtain call to morning class, from rehearsal to stage.

The performance begins even before the house lights go down. Dancers warm up while the audience settles in. This directorial technique draws us into backstage reality — the daily work behind the magic.

We observe morning barre work, adagio, turns, jumps — and soloists discussing nuance and musicality with coaches.

The Grotesque Line

One standout character is a cleaning lady with a mop. She appears during warm-up, reappears before class, seemingly unimportant — until she’s alone, removes her robe to reveal pointe shoes and a tutu. To the music of Swan Lake, she dances her own imaginary ballet — part parody, part dream. A humorous and touching moment that drew the evening’s biggest applause.

Music

The entire musical score consisted of works by P. I. Tchaikovsky, including Symphony No. 2, The Maid of Orleans, Sleeping Beauty waltz, Variations on a Rococo Theme, and “Barcarolle” and “October” from The Seasons.

“What Ballet Is Silent About” expresses the core of a dancer’s life — no division between onstage and offstage, only motion, repetition, discipline, and devotion.

Congratulations to the Theatre on completing its 57th season! Gratitude to the dancers, teachers, choreographers, and tech crew.

This evening becomes part of Tchaikovsky’s anniversary year — a day in the life of ballet, in rhythm with the heart of the theatre.

With love,
Aya Kaliyeva