Living in Bishkek next to the U.S. Embassy and passing by it ten times a day, she could never have imagined that one day she would live in America.
Nazik was born on October 30, 1982, in the city of Naryn.
The road to the world begins in the village...
My small homeland is the village of Ak-Muz in the At-Bashinsky district. I am a graduate of the "Boogachy" school, the second of five children in my family. My father was an employee of the internal affairs bodies, and my mother still works as a teacher. In 2000, I enrolled in the journalism faculty of BGU, and that same year, on May 7, I created the dance group "Nazik." Since then, my life has been inextricably linked with dance. This year, the group celebrated its 25th anniversary. I dedicated most of my life to creativity. I collaborated with UTRK for 19 years and worked at the 5th gymnasium for 20 years. Since 2003, I have worked as a choreographer at BGU.
Although I passed by the embassy ten times a day, I never thought that America would become my second home...
Five to ten years ago, I received an offer from China — a two-year contract to work as a choreographer. But at that time, I had just given birth to my second daughter and was at home with the little ones, so I turned down the offer. During those years, Syimyk Beyshikeev opened clubs for komuz and vocal in America, working with talented youth. He also told me many times: "Nazik, dance is very much needed here. You can come every six months." But I had three small children and couldn't leave them. Sometimes fate opens doors, but we don't notice them because our hearts remain with our children. At that time, we lived in the Kyrgyzstan-1 area, next to the American embassy. Although I passed by ten times a day, it never even crossed my mind that one day America would become my second home.
Today, my husband, our three daughters, and I live in Chicago...
A special role in our being here belongs to Kanymjan Jamambaeva. She called me many times and said: "Nazik, you are needed here. You must come." That's how we chose Chicago. There are many Kyrgyz people here, we have acquaintances, and most importantly — the Kyrgyz Community Center is operational. In 2023, we moved here as a family. Upon arrival, I faced almost no difficulties. I learned the language, attended American dance courses, and tested my skills. You could say I found myself here. The most important thing is that I felt I could serve my compatriots and our national culture. Thus, I began conducting dance classes at the Kyrgyz Community Center and later continued my work at the Kyrgyz Academy "Demi." There, I felt at home — warm relationships, my people, my spirit. Without hesitation, I revived the dance group "Nazik." I was one of the first to prepare all the documents and submit them in America. As a result, I received an official license. This was a significant victory for me. My goal is to raise many girls, develop them, and teach them the beauty of Kyrgyz dance. With this aim, I opened a dance studio. The opening of the studio was like a big celebration — well-known guests and representatives of the Kyrgyz community came. Our Consul General Bolot Borbiev specifically came to congratulate me and presented a letter of appreciation. For me, this was a very touching moment.
Now I am raising and teaching girls. I have always had a desire in my heart: "Let my girls perform not only at weddings but also at international festivals, representing Kyrgyz culture." And this desire is gradually starting to come true. Today, our group actively participates in various events, concerts, competitions, and festivals, glorifying Kyrgyz culture in America.
I miss my homeland...
Another interesting thing is that there are indeed many worthy, talented men and women here. They often tell me: "You are a lucky person because you do what you love. While we work in stores, delivery, or cleaning..." I always mentally thank God for that. Everything I have is the result of talent, hard work, and determination.
I have achieved all my successes with the help of the Almighty, thanks to my parents' upbringing, my husband's support, and my love for my own work. For me, this is not just a profession — it is destiny, the meaning of life. My studio is a corner of my homeland far from my homeland. People of all ages come here: little ones, young girls, and older women. In the studio, we speak Kyrgyz, listen to Kyrgyz music, sing, and dance. Through every lesson and every dance, we express our longing for our homeland and receive spiritual relief.
This studio is not just a workplace. It is a part of my heart, a home where we continue to live in the Kyrgyz spirit.
