XVI international creative youth festival «Shabyt» started in the capital

ASTANA. November 4. KAZINFORM XVI international creative youth festival "Shabyt" has started in the capital. This year about 500 participants from CIS countries have arrived in Astana. Their creative talents will be evaluated by eminent jury consisting of outstanding culture and art figures from Kazakhstan and other CIS countries, Kazinform refers to astana.kz.

Anatoliy Semeshko, chairman of the jury (Ukraine):

"Here we have 25-point evaluation system, just like all world competitions do. We assess technical mastery and artistry. Everything is reflected in a single score, and then everything is up to the jury consideration".

Participants will compete for 5 days in such nominations as classic and folk music, pictorial art, variety singing, the best literary work and choreography. Today the first contest stage has started among dancers. 14 participants of this nominations are already competing for the title of the best one. A representative of Astana city Aigul Zakirova has been dancing since early childhood. She is taking part in this contest for the first time ever.

Aigul Zakirova, participant in "Choreography" nomination (Astana city):

"I just want to enjoy myself being on the stage performing very good dancing close to my heart. In the first round I perform Kazakh dance called "Bir eles" to music by E. Khusainov, the second dance is Georgian lezghinka staged by ballet masters from Georgia".

In addition to contest performances there are evening events - concerts by jury members, musical entertainment show, round tables and master classes with the participation of world art masters. A solemn ceremony of "Shabyt" festival closing will be held on November 8, where the most talented participant will get the Cup of the President of the country.