Kazakhstan’s Ballet Triumphs Abroad, Claims Silver in South Korea

Dancers from Kazakhstan's Astana Ballet Theatre secured second place at the prestigious Cheonan World Dance Festival 2025, held in South Korea from September 24 to 28.

The festival attracted over 4,000 performers representing more than 60 countries, showcasing a vibrant display of global dance talent, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The Kazakh troupe captivated both the jury and audience with their performance titled “Heritage of the Great Steppe.” According to the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information, this choreographic masterpiece, created by Merited Artist of Kazakhstan Aigul Tati, vividly embodied Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage.

Aigul Tati described the program as a reflection of the vastness, philosophy, tranquility, and harmony of Kazakh life, with each dance inspired by traditional folk customs and rituals. The performance featured a blend of lyrical and philosophical compositions, energetic miniatures, and striking imagery, all enhanced by elaborate costumes, resulting in a compelling dance epic celebrating the grandeur of the Great Steppe.

This achievement marks a historic moment for Kazakhstan, as it is the first time a Kazakh company has won a prize at the Cheonan World Dance Festival. The Astana Ballet Theatre’s success highlights the universal language of dance and Kazakhstan’s growing prominence on the international cultural stage.

The festival provided an important platform for the theatre to share Kazakhstan’s centuries-old cultural legacy with a global audience, strengthen cultural ties between Kazakhstan and South Korea, and demonstrate the unifying power of dance.