Japanese Delegation Concludes Visit to the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography

The Kazakh National Academy of Choreography has concluded an intensive programme for a delegation from Tokyo's Yoshiko Takagi Ballet School. Twenty-two students and four teachers travelled to Astana to explore Kazakhstan's approach to choreographic education, work with the Academy's leading teachers and exchange professional experience.

From classical dance to stage practice

The Japanese guests followed a focused educational programme. Young dancers took part in masterclasses in classical and folk-stage dance and worked on classical variations drawn from the world's ballet repertoire.

Each class offered more than technical practice. It also allowed the students to view familiar elements through a different teaching tradition. For young artists, this kind of exchange broadens their professional outlook and encourages closer attention to every detail of stagecraft.

Yoshie Narisawa, head of Yoshiko Takagi Ballet School, noted that cooperation with the Academy has already become a valued tradition:

“This is our fourth visit to the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography. It provides all the conditions of a world-class choreographic school, and our children gain the professional experience and knowledge that are so important to their future development as artists.”

A gift for the Academy's young students

In appreciation of the productive work and high standard of organisation, the Japanese delegation presented stage costumes to the Academy's young students. The costumes were provided by Yoshino Atelier, one of Japan's leading producers of professional attire for classical ballet and theatrical productions.

Discovering ballet in Kazakhstan

The visit extended beyond the studio. The Japanese students and teachers attended the ballet “Altyn gül” at Astana Ballet Theatre. The guests said the production made a deep impression through its lighting direction, the artists' accomplished performances and its multifaceted musical score.

The visit brought together practical training, cultural dialogue and a close encounter with contemporary ballet in Kazakhstan. For the young dancers, it offered valuable professional experience, while the two schools continued a partnership built through their shared commitment to dance.