Aibiyke Nurlanova, a 19-year-old resident of Bishkek, began practicing competitive ballroom dancing in her childhood. Over the years of her dancing career, she has accumulated numerous trophies and medals, won international tournaments, became a finalist at the World Championship, and has repeatedly won the championships of Kyrgyzstan. She holds the title of Candidate for Master of Sports and is being considered for the title of Master of Sports. Dancing remains an important part of her life alongside her studies.
We asked Aibiyke questions about how it all began, her mentors, achievements, and career trajectory in ballroom dancing.
- How did you start dancing?
It all started when my mom took me to a competition when I was just five years old. I was amazed by the performances of the children, the beautiful dresses, and the spirit of competition. This inspired me to take up dancing. My parents enrolled me in a dance studio, and it was there that I finally realized I wanted to develop in this direction. Dancing became not just a hobby for me, but a true passion, and I made many friends with whom we became like one family. Competitions and training naturally became a part of my life.
- Where do you train?
-I train at the Alexis studio, where Alexey Kibkalo and Tatiana Kogadey work on my development. They instilled in me a love for dance and taught me discipline. It’s a serious school that prepares real champions. From the very beginning, we were taught responsibility for results and regular training. In childhood, this was taken for granted, but now I realize how important this foundation is for future successes.
- When did you realize that dancing is a sport?
- The realization came gradually, with the increasing number of tournaments. When constant competitions, trips, and training begin, you understand that dancing is not just a hobby. In partner dancing, there is responsibility to your partner and coach; if you are not ready, it reflects on the result. Then you start to perceive dancing as a sport and realize the importance of systematic preparation.
- What achievements do you consider the most significant?
- Over the years, I have accumulated many awards, and each of them has its own value. I have a large collection of trophies and medals at home. One of the most memorable events was winning the Baltic Cup in Riga — it was a serious international championship, and this victory is very important to me. I also achieved success in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey, and participated in the World Championship in Romania. The final of the World Championship in Astana at the Silk Way tournament became one of the most significant milestones in my career. Thanks to dancing, I have visited many countries, which is also a valuable experience for an athlete.
At the national level, I have become the champion of the country several times and received the title of Candidate for Master of Sports, as well as being considered for the title of Master of Sports.
- Have you always performed in a pair?
- Yes, from the very beginning of my career, I have danced in a pair. The solo direction did not develop as actively, so we prepared as a couple. I have had three partners, and each time changing partners is a challenging stage that requires building new relationships and finding a common rhythm. With my last partner, Howard Cholponbaev, we achieved the greatest successes, including the final of the World Championship and victories at national championships.
- What do you do besides dancing?
Currently, I am studying at university for my bachelor's degree. Education is important to me, and I try to combine my studies and training. Dancing has taught me discipline since childhood.
In my free time, I teach mathematics and meet with friends.
- How has dancing affected your studies?
Radically! Dancing shapes discipline and endurance, teaches you to be focused. I graduated from the Physics and Mathematics School-Lyceum No. 61 named after E. Yakir with 213 points in the ORT and 1530 points in the SAT. When you have such a tight schedule, you start to value time and learn to plan your day. Thanks to sports, I strive to be the best in all areas — whether it’s school, competitions, or university.
- Have you received offers to study abroad?
Yes, I received invitations from several international universities for scholarships. But I decided to continue my studies and dance here.
- Do you plan to continue your dancing career in the future?
Definitely, I want to continue dancing and developing in sports. I realize that I can grow as an athlete, and in the future, I consider the possibility of coaching.
- How expensive is this activity?
Ballroom dancing is an expensive sport. You need to consider the cost of costumes, specialized shoes, hairstyles, makeup, and trips to tournaments. Expenses for girls are significantly higher.
A lot depends on the enthusiasm of the coaches, who invest their time and effort into our development. Without their support, it is difficult to achieve high results.
- What do you feel before stepping onto the dance floor?
- I feel the support of the audience, the coach, and the young dancers.
Nervousness is always present, even with experience. However, over time, you learn to control it. As soon as the music starts, I focus on the program, technique, and interaction with my partner. At that moment, it is important to be extremely focused and demonstrate what has been practiced in training.
The path in competitive ballroom dancing requires time and effort. Aibiyke Nurlanova's story illustrates that behind success lie regular training, support from coaches and family, as well as the ability to cope with pressures and competitions, which forms a high level in sports.
