A major cultural event is coming to Kazakhstan’s capital this spring. On 27–28 March, the Astana Ballet Theatre will present the premiere of the contemporary ballet “Bolero X”, a radical reinterpretation of Maurice Ravel’s legendary score, DKNews.kz reports.
The production is directed by renowned Israeli choreographer Shahar Binyamini, known internationally for large-scale and emotionally intense dance works.
A new vision of a musical classic
“Bolero X” goes far beyond a traditional staging of famous music. Instead, it offers a deep choreographic interpretation built around rhythm, repetition and collective energy.
The performance stands out for several key features:
- Large-scale choreography involving around 50 dancers.
- Focus on the ensemble rather than individual soloists.
- Movement structures based on waves, repetition and constant transformation.
The dancers function as a single living organism, with their bodies becoming an extension of the musical rhythm.
The choreography develops in parallel with Ravel’s original composition — beginning with restraint and gradually building toward an intense, powerful culmination.
The meaning behind the “X”
The letter “X” in the title carries symbolic meaning and reflects the philosophical concept of the production.
It represents:
- The intersection of past and present.
- The dialogue between individual and collective.
- The fusion of music and movement.
Through this idea, “Bolero X” creates a bridge between classical heritage and contemporary bodily expression.
Global recognition
The production has already gained significant international acclaim.
It has been performed:
- On major stages across Europe, North America and Asia.
- By leading dance companies, including Ballet BC.
- In collaboration with prestigious institutions such as Tanz Akademie Zurich.
The work is widely considered one of Shahar Binyamini’s most celebrated creations.
High praise for Astana Ballet dancers
Assistant choreographer Joseph Kudra highly praised the Kazakh performers, noting their exceptional technical and physical abilities.
“The artists of the Astana Ballet are simply incredible. Their technique, flexibility and physical capabilities are astonishing. Their bodies seem to have an innate understanding of ballet, making for a truly captivating performance.”
He also emphasized his creative goals:
“My goal is to open new doors and introduce new ideas and ways of moving for them. It is not only about the physics of the body and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, but also about revealing their consciousness.”
Live orchestra accompaniment
The production will be performed with live music by the Astana Ballet Theatre Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Chief Conductor Arman Urazgaliyev.
The premiere is expected to become one of the most significant cultural highlights of the season in the capital.
The event is being held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
