Celebrating Kyrgyz Dance in Indiana

The existence of a people as a nation is impossible without culture and folk art, including dance. Folk dances are a part of the history of the Kyrgyz people. The Kyrgyz had a lot of folk dances, but unfortunately many of them were lost forever. Despite this, I see Kyrgyz dance as high choreographic art with cultural value.

My talent is that I like to improvise freely. Unfortunately, no one taught me. I did not go to a special dance course, because I lived in different conditions. But as they say, if you have the desire, you can achieve your goal. There are different types of Kyrgyz dances: fast, slow, gentle, and strong. I decided to show you my dance to Sultan Sadyraliev’s song “Kyrgyz Dance.” I want to convey to you and the whole world the respect, love, and friendliness of the Kyrgyz people.

As Havelock Ellis said, “The dance is the most exalted, the most touching, and the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not just an expression or distraction from life, it is life itself.” I wish for you to always dance and be happy.

—Asylai (FLEX, Kyrgyzstan), hosted by the Kunkel family (IN)