The folk dance ensemble Of the state academic Philharmonic of the mayor's office of Nur-Sultan has a beautiful and sonorous name: "Shalkyma", which means "rainbow". And, indeed, a variety of concert performances are so rosy-bright, colorful and expressive that once you see this female dance group, you will never forget it.

The ensemble is distinguished by its individual unique style, which consists of a high level of performing culture, careful attitude and recreation of the traditions of the national choreographic school on the stage, interesting interpretation of dance and music materials, as well as magnificent stage costumes. The team has been headed by Abdurasul Yessekeyev, a knight of the order of "Kurmet", a cultural figure, since 2007 (since the beginning of its creation). The ensemble includes graduates of the Almaty choreographic school named after A. Seleznev, and the Republican variety and circus College named after Zh. Elebekov and other higher educational institutions.

The ensemble participates in many concerts of the Moscow Philharmonic society, decorating with its performance the evenings of the Kazakh orchestra, the traditional music Group "Korkyt", the folk music Ensemble "Saryarka", the soloists of the folk singing Department and the classical and pop vocal Department, etc. the "Shalkymy" dances are a gallery of charming female portraits and characters: tender, lyrical, inspired, and sometimes mischievous and flirtatious.

The performances of "Shalkyma" and At the international festival of folk dance ensembles "Shashu" in July 2017 were unforgettable. The leading dance group of the capital pleased with its skill and literally fell in love with its art: residents and guests of Astana loudly applauded each dance composition. A special success fell on the dance "Yngai Tok", created by the Honored artist of the Kazakh SSR, an outstanding ballet artist, choreographer and Director Mintai Tleubayev (the II international festival of folk dance ensembles "Shashu" was timed to the 70th anniversary of the famous master).

The repertoire of "Shalkyma" includes almost the entire Golden Fund of Kazakh dance, and these are choreographic compositions of people's artists of Kazakhstan Shara Zhienkulova, Zaurbek Raybayev, Dauren Abirov, honored artists of Kazakhstan Pollock Tleubayev, Olga Vsevolodskaya-Galushkevich, Eldos Usin, as well as modern ballet masters – honored artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan Toigan Izim and Gulnara Saitova, knight of the order "Dostyk" of the Republic of Kazakhstan Larisa Kim, Aigul Kulbekova, Aigul Tati, Saule Kali, gulbana Myrzabekova, Laura Mukayeva, Nurlan Jumaliev and the artistic Director of the ensemble Abdurasul Yessekeyev.

Along with performing national dances, "Shalkyma" in its concerts introduces the viewer to the traditions, rites and customs of the Kazakh people. Russian, Bashkir, Korean, Chinese, Tajik, Yakut, Persian, Kalmyk, Kyrgyz, Tatar, Bashkir, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Armenian, Uyghur, etc.) dance compositions of the peoples of the world are also very successful.

The cooperation of "Shalkyma" with the leading ballet masters of Kazakhstan and foreign countries is fruitful and interesting. The team staged dances with cultural figure Zaure Azhibekova, honored artist of the Republic of Belarus Pavel Zhuravlev, people's artist of the Republic of Mari El Slavi Asmayilov, honored artist of Bashkortostan Elvira Dautova.

The ensemble's artists embody complex choreographic tasks at a high professional level. The skill of its participants was repeatedly noted at prestigious competitions and festivals:

2007-the ensemble won a special diploma named after Shara Zhienkulova at the international festival of creative youth "Shabyt" (Kazakhstan, Astana);

2009 – the group became a laureate of International festival "Bersek–the Commonwealth" (Russia, Ufa);

2010 - "Shalkyma" received the Grand Prix Of the international festival of creative youth "Shabyt" (Kazakhstan, Astana);

2012-Sandugash Esekeshova and Asemgul Nurgalieva became winners of the IV Republican contest of Kazakh dance named after Shara Zhienkulova;

2019-Arailym Ashymkhanova was awarded a special Diploma at the international festival-competition of solo dance named after Mahmud Esambayev.

 

"Shalkyma" successfully toured the country and beyond. During their performances, the artists of the group create an amazing atmosphere, thanks to which every viewer can touch the traditions of the richest Kazakh dance culture, admire its beauty and originality. This is why the ensemble always gets a standing ovation during its tours in the Russian Federation, Afghanistan, Korea, Germany, China, Turkey, France, Italy, Switzerland, the UAE and other countries.

People's artist of the Kazakh SSR Roza Rymbaeva gave an accurate description of the team: "the folk dance Ensemble "Shalkyma" is the leading dance group of our country, it is our pride. When artists come on stage, I already know for sure that they will show high dance art. And, of course, they show how much they are passionate about their profession. I am glad that our young capital has such an ensemble that can compete with any world dance ensemble. Abdurasul Yessekeyev achieved the creation of a highly professional dance group with a rich repertoire."