On the eve of the International Day of Older Persons, Astana hosted the “Beautiful Movements – Beautiful Life” dance festival, aimed at increasing the creative activity of representatives of the older generation. The festival was organized by the Active Longevity Center.
The event brought together senior citizens from the social service departments of Astana’s Almaty, Baikonyr, Yesil, Saryarka, Sarayshyq and Nura districts. The participants demonstrated their dancing skills and shared their passion for the art of dance.
The main goals of the festival were to promote dance therapy among older people, encourage an active lifestyle, strengthen physical and mental well-being, develop creative potential, and foster friendship and positive relationships among participants.
The festival was opened by the creative groups of the Nura District Social Services Department — the folk ensemble “Qyzdarai” and the “Aniz” choreographic dance ensemble.
Throughout the evening, performers from all six districts presented a variety of dance styles. The “Saltanat” dance group from Almaty performed a waltz, while the “Inzhu Dance” group from Baikonyr presented a lively Spanish dance.
The “Zhana Tolqyn” dance club from Yesil introduced the audience to Kazakh national dance through the performance “Aqmarzhan.” The “ABYROY” dance group from Saryarka performed a dance entitled “Rukh,” set to the song of the same name, conveying energy, strength and a love for life.
The “Symbat Bi” group from Sarayshyq performed the Kazakh dance “Kiiz Basu” to the music of Nurgisa Tlendiev’s “Ata Tolgauy,” offering a beautiful artistic representation of national traditions.
The festival program also featured classical and contemporary dance. The “Zheruyik” dance group from Almaty performed a classical dance set to the song “Sen Kereksin,” while the “Dostar” group from Baikonyr presented the “White Waves Waltz.”
The “Khanshaiym” dance group from Yesil performed the “Aysedora” waltz, while the “Ademi Dauir” dance group from Saryarka presented “Arman Qala – Astana,” a dance dedicated to the capital.
The “Kerbez Bi” group from Sarayshyq also performed a Ukrainian folk dance, introducing the audience to the cultural traditions of other nations.
The festival concluded with a Spanish dance performed by the folk ensemble “Qyzdarai” from Nura.
At the end of the festival, participants were recognized in several categories. Awards were presented in the categories of “Folk Dance,” “Ballroom Dance,” “Contemporary Dance,” “Dances of the World,” “Retro Dance,” and “Original Choreography,” as well as in several special categories.
According to the jury’s decision, the main prizes were awarded as follows:
• 1st place — “Symbat” dance group, Sarayshyq District;
• 2nd place — “Khanshaiym” dance group, Yesil District;
• 3rd place — “Saryarka” dance group, Saryarka District;
• “Folk Dance” — “Zhana Tolqyn” dance group (Yesil);
• “Contemporary Dance” — “Zheruyik” dance group (Almaty);
• “Dances of the World” — “Qyzdarai” dance group (Nura);
• “Retro Dance” — “Aniz” dance group (Nura);
• “Original Choreography” — “Ademi Dauir” dance group (Saryarka);
• “Most Artistic Couple” — Natalia Mostovaya and Kanat Omirbekov (Baikonyr);
• “Best Stage Image” — “Kerbez” dance group (Sarayshyq);
• “Audience Choice Award” — “Saltanat” dance group (Almaty).
“During the festival, the participants not only demonstrated their dancing skills but also showed through art the importance of vitality, a positive outlook, friendship and an active lifestyle. I would especially like to highlight the work of choreographers Irina Smagulova, Sholpan Dzhananbayeva, Bolatbek Seidalin, Aliya Abylkasymova and Aruzhan Kalmuratova, who introduce our senior citizens to the art of dance and promote this wonderful form of creative expression,” said Nurgul Yerzakhkyzy, a member of the jury.
This is also the main idea behind the “Beautiful Movements – Beautiful Life” festival: as people grow older, their interest in life, passion for creativity and desire to remain active become increasingly important. The main achievement of the festival was not only the beautiful movements on stage, but also the way it brought together the older generation’s love of art, mutual respect and friendship, and their enthusiasm for life.
