Postcard from Bishkek

Today, 29th April, happens to be International Dance Day … and has been ever since 1982 when the day was initiated by the International Theater Institute – one of UNESCO’s partner organizations – to “celebrate Dance, to revel in the universality of this art form, to cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers and bring people together through the common language of Dance.”

They chose the date to commemorate the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, who may not exactly be a household name … but is important in the world of Dance as he is credited with the creator of Modern Ballet. That’s not to say that it’s all High Brow … although ballet, (in its various formats – classical and contemporary), is well and truly represented and celebrated at events held to commemorate the day… so is are other forms of dance – from folk dancing, hiphop and even “disco dancing”.

Each year the organizers select a prominent person from the world of Dance to deliver a global message … but. like Noverre, most of them are hardly known outside this somewhat specialized milieu … yet alone household names. Over the years their messages have focused on the need for dance in education and for all those involved in dance – at whatever level – in collective efforts to raise the profile of dance.

As in so many other places around the world, here in Kyrgyzstan dance does not enjoy as high profile. It doesn’t often get highlighted as a form of traditional creative art in the same way as music and the art of “storytelling” … or traditional crafts. That’s not to say that it wasn’t a feature of nomadic life – there are a number of dance ensembles and troupes in the country and there are some clips of Kyrgyz traditional dance that can be seen on youtube and other video sharing sites. Although there are Dance troupes such as Manastyn Kyzdary – Daughters of Manas – who have performed in a number of international festivals around the world … and Bishkek has a number of Dance studios which offer classes in a variety of styles. Street Festivals here in the capital usually have a stage set up on which Breakdance and other forms of dance are featured.  

Ballroom Dancing is recognized as a “sport” and competitors from Kyrgyzstan take part in events not only here in Kyrgyzstan but abroad as well … and seem to have a creditable record … just last week one couple took the gold medal in Latin Dance in an international competition in Almaty and another couple took a silver medal.  

Classical Ballet is represented in the country and performances can be seen at the State Theater of Opera and Ballet which has it’s own company … drawing on fresh talent trained in the Republican school of Choreography. Although classical ballet may be a relatively recent “import” … it is acknowledged with pride and a ballerina was chosen to be featured on one of the first som banknotes when the new currency was introduced in 1993.

In recent years, however, Atai Omurzakov – a young man from Karakol – has caught the nation’s attention, imagination and hearts … as well as international recognition … with his innovative and individualistic style of dance – Elektrobugi - a sort of “robotic electric boogie” – based on techno moves once popular in the 1980′s.

 

Born in 1990, he was brought up in Karakol by his mother … he says that he never knew his father … and that the two of them frequently had to move home … their plight often driving her to tears.

He took up dance – and is basically self-taught – there being no Dance studio in Karakol.

He took part in a Russian television talent show, Minuta Slava – Minute of Fame … but didn’t get passed the first round. The experience he gained, however, was probably very valuable because his next venture proved to be more successful.

In 2011, he took part in a couple of Central European televised talent shows … yes, that’s not a mistake … Central European not Central Asian. Appearing in the Ukrainian version – creatively called, “Ukraine’s Got Talent”, (part of the stable that produced “America’s Got Talent” and “Britain’s Got Talent” … in over 58 countries around the world), and progressing through the early rounds to the final – finally being beaten into second place by a “local magician”. His performance in the final, where he alternated between demonic and angelic characterizations proved particularly popular with the studio audience.

Then later in the year, he went on to win the Czech-Slovak version of the show, “Cesko Slovensko Ma Talent”. He was “a hit” from his first appearance – with the originality of his costumes and routines … and his wit; when one of the judges asked him “What planet are you from?”, he quipped back “Planet Kyrgyzstan”.

He claims that he much to his mother, who has supported him in his various endeavours – from sculpture to sport and, of course, Dance … he told a reporter that if he won then he would give the prize money (100,000 Euros, no less) to her … so, “she’ll stop crying” … This led to him being referred to in the West as a “Mama’s Boy” – but in an endearing way rather than as the more usual “put down” which the epithet commonly employed.

In addition to the money, the prize included a slot to perform in Las Vegas.

When he came back to Kyrgyzstan he was feted and became the center of a certain amount of controversy … as it emerged that his prize money was eligible for income tax … and the deputies in the parliament quickly voted to exempt prize money from international competition from taxable income.

Wanting to contribute something back to community, he started a project called “I am a Dancer”, bringing together dancers form some 23 countries … setting up a Dance studio of his own with the aim of helping other young talents to achieve the dreams.

He worked with a couple of dance groups – Tumar KR and Adem, and took part in a number of competitions … somewhat controversially turning down a chance to participate in one leading up to the Sochi Olympics, but winning an award in the Popular Oscars 2013 competition in Beijing.

Later, however, he decided to withdraw from further competition, deciding to concentrate on plans for a World Tour.

 

You can catch some of his performances on youtube … but unfortunately not his winning routine, because that’s been withdrawn due to a copyright claim … here, however, is a clip of his early appearance on Minuta Slava:

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