On October 4 and 5, the long-awaited premiere of the ballet "Sacred Dances" took place on the stage of the "Astana Ballet" theater, becoming a significant cultural event of the season.
Over the course of two premiere days, the audience enjoyed vibrant choreographic solutions and immersed themselves in the depth of images and symbols embedded in the performance, DKnews.kz reports
The ballet is a project of the Almaty Theatre, and the choreography was created under the guidance of one of Kazakhstan’s most renowned choreographers, Mukaram Avakhri. Each of the three parts of the triptych — "Rukh," "QASH," and "The Wedding" — reveals its own theme, addressing symbols and images of the past and present.
Librettist Dilara Shomayeva shared her vision of the performance: “Ballet "Sacred Dances" consists of three independent parts, each of which has its own theme and choreographic solution, but they are united by a common idea — the connection of times and cultures. The first part, "Rukh," is inspired by Olzhas Suleimenov’s poem "The Clay Book" and explores the philosophical theme of generational continuity. The second part, "QASH," refers to the culture of Eastern peoples, its constant development, and interaction with modernity. The third part, "The Wedding," pays homage to the music of Igor Stravinsky, which has become a source of inspiration for many choreographers. Despite the different themes and moods, all three parts are intertwined, forming a single work that reaches the audience through symbols, images, and emotional associations.”
In an interview, Mukaram Avakhri noted: “All three ballets are united by a common idea and mood, reflecting the interconnection of cultures, relationships, and mutual influences, as well as the link between the past and the present. Despite the lack of a storyline, the performance conveys deep emotions and meaning, with culture serving as the connecting thread between all parts of the production.”
“In the choreography of the performance, great attention is paid to the semantic load of movements: they act as a conduit for the main idea, revealing the subtle facets of relationships between people and their connection with cultural heritage. Music and avant-garde forms create a striking contrast and emphasize the innovative approach of the production, making the triptych "Sacred Dances" a significant piece of contemporary art. Mukaram Avakhri is not only a choreographer but also the ideological inspirer of the entire project. Profound meaning and symbolism have always distinguished her works; she knows how to express the most complex philosophical ideas through dance, using her own style that combines traditional and modern forms. Thanks to her creative boldness and talent, the audience has the opportunity to look at culture and art from a new perspective. She sets a high standard, and this performance encourages not only observing but also to think, exploring, and seeking personal answers,” added Dilara Shomayeva.
Soloist of the “Astana Ballet” theater, Lorena Cardoso, who performed one of the leading roles, shared her impressions: “I am very happy to be part of this project. The music of each part of the performance has its own unique sound: the first uses various instruments, including percussion, creating an incomparable atmosphere. Of the three parts of the ballet, I like "QASH" the most: the choreography includes many pirouettes and spins, and this is what makes it so dynamic and captivating. It is filled with mysterious motifs, giving it a sense of mystique and depth. Moreover, the third part is like magic on stage: the wedding ritual, where the music sounds powerful and joyful, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. This is a beautiful conclusion to the production. This triptych is a wonderful experience and an opportunity to see traditions and culture from a new perspective through contemporary dance.”
One of the main features of the performance was its minimalist scenography: the production was built on the play of light and shadow, allowing the audience to focus on choreography and symbolism, enhancing the emotional perception.
The premiere gathered a full house, and over the course of two premiere days, the stage was enveloped in an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. The audience, holding their breath, followed every detail of the choreographic compositions, immersing themselves in the world created by talented authors and artists. The audience enthusiastically watched each performance, and at the end, there was a storm of prolonged applause. The premiere of the ballet "Sacred Dances" was a triumph that will remain in the memory of all those who were part of this cultural event for a long time.
