On 1 May 2025, a concert entitled “Eastern Rhapsody” was held at the Astana Ballet Theatre, serving as a significant celebration of dance and culture.
This unique concert combined folk dances and melodies from various Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, China, India, Turkey and Japan, creating a beautiful display that reflects the richness and diversity of eastern cultures, DKnews.kz reports.
The dance miniatures that constituted the program were not merely entertaining; they functioned as authentic expressions of the people, their spirit, philosophy and traditions. Japanese modesty was replaced by Turkish passion, then Chinese poetry appeared in the choreography, followed by Eastern temptation filled with the aromas of India, and finally, we returned to our native Kazakh steppe. All these elements created a unique cultural kaleidoscope.
The concert paid tribute to the memory of the first performance of the Astana Ballet troupe in 2013, which was also entitled “Eastern Rhapsody”. Years later, the theatre returned to this topic with a new scale and depth, demonstrating the high level of skill accumulated through creative collaboration with outstanding Kazakhstani and foreign choreographers, composers and artists.
The vibrant set design, stylish costumes, powerful ethnomusicology, and most importantly, the charismatic performance of the ballet dancers made that evening unforgettable. “Eastern Rhapsody” became a symbol of multinational Kazakhstan, where culture does not divide, but unites. It served as a celebration of the diversity and unity of nations, wherein every voice resonated freely, yet in harmony with the collective.
Through dance and music, the theatre demonstrated the power and beauty of our country’s cultural diversity, asserting that art knows no borders. “Eastern Rhapsody” has become a significant statement that culture, respect and unity are the foundation of our society. It is through such events that we strengthen ties and create a future based on mutual understanding and peace.
The show was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
