On 27-28 March, the premiere of the modern ballet “Bolero X” will be held at the Astana Ballet Theatre. This choreographic reinterpretation of the legendary score by Maurice Ravel is directed by the renowned Israeli choreographer Shahar Binyamini.
“Bolero X” does not merely offer an illustration of renowned music; rather, it presents a profound choreographic reinterpretation. Renowned for its mesmerising rhythm and relentless escalation of tension, Binyamini’s interpretation of Ravel’s score transforms into a potent theatrical ritual, where movement, repetition, and collective energy serve as the primary modes of expression.
The performance revolves around a large-scale choreography designed for an ensemble of around 50 dancers. Rather than the conventional solo focus, the choreographer employs the collective as a unified organism. The play explores themes of unity, collective identity, and individual-group interaction through repetitive structures, waves of movement, and constant changes in group dynamics. The dancers’ bodies become an organic extension of the musical rhythm, turning the stage into a space of shared breathing and escalating physical intensity.
The choreography develops in parallel with the musical form of “Boléro”: starting restrained and building to a powerful culmination where visual and kinetic density reach their maximum. The repetition in this piece is not mechanical but rather serves to convey the philosophical and emotional aspects of the work, thereby imbuing it with meaning.
The letter “X” in the title of the production is symbolic. It is interpreted as a multiplication sign, representing the intersection points where the past and present, the individual and the collective, and music and movement converge. “Bolero X” becomes a space of dialogue between classical musical heritage and modern bodily thinking.
The performance received widespread international recognition, becoming a global sensation. “Bolero X” has been performed in a number of the largest venues in Europe, North America and Asia. It has been staged for leading dance companies, including Ballet BC, and has also been realised in collaboration with reputable educational institutions such as Tanz Akademie Zurich. The production was often included in mixed programs, for example as part of ballet and contemporary dance seasons alongside other major works and was staged with both recorded and live music.
“The artists of the Astana Ballet are simply incredible. Their technique, flexibility and physical capabilities are astonishing. Their bodies seem to have an innate understanding of ballet, making for a truly captivating performance. They have so much potential and so many opportunities, perhaps some of which they have not even thought about. I count myself very fortunate to be working alongside such talented and capable artists. My goal is to open new doors and introduce new ideas and ways of moving for them. It is not only about the physics of the body and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, but also about revealing their consciousness: how they approach movement from a deeper inner state, and not just as a set of steps,” said assistant choreographer Joseph Kudra.
Shahar Binyamini is one of the most notable modern dance choreographers, renowned for his high-impact works which balance emotional depth and physical intensity with a strong visual language. He creates works for the world’s leading collectives, which are distinguished by their scale and philosophical depth. “Bolero X” is widely regarded as one of his most celebrated pieces, helping to establish his reputation in the world of contemporary dance.
The production will be accompanied by the Astana Ballet Theatre Symphony Orchestra conducted by Chief Conductor Arman Urazgaliyev.
The premiere of “Bolero X” at the Astana Ballet Theatre is set to be a significant event in the cultural life of the capital, offering audiences a unique and captivating experience with one of the most striking and radical examples of modern ballet on the world stage.
The event will be held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.