In this episode of Modern Nomads, we meet Kazakhstan's brightest ballet stars, who are blending classical techniques with Kazakh traditions and making Astana a global hub for the art form.
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00:00Ballet has been part of Kazakh culture since Soviet times, but today it's reaching new
00:21heights in a country now regarded as a world-class hub for the art form.
00:30Spellbinding.
00:38Kazakhstan's capital is at the heart of the country's ballet boom.
00:41The city is home to the renowned Astana Ballet Theatre and the Kazakh National Academy of
00:46Choreography.
00:48Located in this state-of-the-art facility, the two institutions share more than a building,
00:54they share a vision.
00:56That's because they work in tandem to nurture the talent of tomorrow, and today we're here
01:01to meet some of the rising stars.
01:07Sixteen-year-old academy student Torgan is one of them.
01:10Last year her dedication saw her win the prestigious Budapest Ballet Grand Prix.
01:15Torgan was spotted by the academy in her hometown of Akto in western Kazakhstan.
01:41With her parents' support, she made the life-changing decision to move to Astana.
02:03Former prima ballerina-turned-artistic director Altynay is a driving force at the academy.
02:32The academy's best students get the chance to work with and perhaps join the Astana
02:58Ballet Theatre.
03:00But while it's only a few steps away, it's far from an easy move.
03:05Akali is one dancer who has successfully made that leap.
03:09He credits the academy for preparing him for life on the stage.
03:28Like Akali, Anur is part of the Astana Ballet Theatre troupe.
03:32A leading soloist, she says the right mindset is crucial for those dancers attempting to
03:37turn professional.
03:49But what about Kazakh ballet itself?
03:52Does it differ in any way from other ballet traditions?
04:22As for Torgan, Altynay believes the sky's the limit.