The award ceremony and Gala concert of nominees for one of the most prestigious world awards in the field of choreography — Benois de la Danse 2025, unofficially called the "Ballet Oscar," took place on the historical stage of the Bolshoi Theater of Russia.

The chief choreographer of the Astana Ballet Theater, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Mukaram Avakhri, and leading soloist Sundet Sultanov became laureates of this competition. The artists presented an excerpt from "Qash" from the resonant ballet "Sacred Dances" — a joint project of the Astana Ballet Theater and the Almaty Theater. The production, combining modern choreography and national motifs, resonated strongly in the professional community.

Sundet Sultanov, a laureate of the award in the "Best Dancer" nomination, performed in a duet with Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Ainur Abilgazina, performing an excerpt from the ballet "December Rain" by Slovak-German choreographer Kristina Paulin to music by Frederic Chopin and Davidson Jaconello. The stage charm, inner drama, and impeccable technique of the artists were duly appreciated by the audience and the expert community.

Participation in the Benois de la Danse festival is a recognition of the high level of the Kazakh ballet school and a clear confirmation that the modern choreography of Kazakhstan sounds worthy on the international stage.