Polina Kamysheva was born in Bishkek in 2004. At the age of five, her family moved to Russia, planning to stay there forever. However, a few years ago, due to the unstable situation, they returned to their homeland.
Now Polina is a ballerina at the Kyrgyz National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after Abdylas Maldybaev. She has studied in different countries, and ahead of her are tours and plans related to Kyrgyzstan.
— How did your ballet career begin?
— In my childhood, I practiced rhythmic gymnastics, and at the age of 12, I entered the Choreographic School. After my first visit to a ballet performance, I was struck by the beauty of everything happening: the artists, the music, and the atmosphere.
I started studying in Krasnodar and then continued at the Perm State Choreographic School. I was invited to the Royal Ballet in Belgium, but I couldn't go. I studied for a year and a half at the Ballet Academy in Astana. In 2024, I returned to Bishkek and joined the theater. My father, a professional football player, played for various clubs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, and after returning, he opened a football academy.
In our theater, there is a friendly atmosphere, and the management is responsive. It is truly a legendary place, and working here is a great honor for me. We treat costumes and wigs with special respect, considering them not just inventory but real relics used by our predecessors 30-40 years ago. The dressing rooms have retained their original appearance.
— Is there interest in ballet in Kyrgyzstan?
— Our performances often fill the hall. For example, on New Year's, there was a full house for "The Nutcracker." Soon we plan to perform the ballet "Cholpon," and I am sure it will also attract many viewers.
I participate in 15-20 performances. Recently, we went on tour to Spain for the first time, where we performed "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake" over two weeks. In our free time, we enjoyed the local attractions. We have a wonderful troupe, and I hope for more tours.
— What feelings did you experience when returning to Bishkek after a long absence?
— I was amazed that the city remained almost unchanged. It still resembled a big village, and the state of the architecture and roads left much to be desired. But in recent years, I have noticed positive changes: modern neighborhoods are being built. For example, in the southern part of the capital, where I live, there are wide roads and new houses. However, the air quality has noticeably worsened.
— What are the similarities between Bishkek and Krasnodar?
— The climate. Prices in Kyrgyzstan are still lower than in Russia, but this may change over time, especially for food products.
— How do you feel about the locals? Is it easy to find common ground?
— I have lived in Russia and Kazakhstan, so I have something to compare. I have not met such open and kind-hearted people as in Kyrgyzstan anywhere else. But many seem to have a lot on their minds. When I travel home from work, I see fatigue on people's faces.
— I've heard that people here are not very punctual...
— In my circle, this is not the case. Artists are instilled with discipline and respect for others from childhood, and punctuality is part of that respect.
— What local dishes do you like?
— I love plov and manti. My mother has Uzbek roots, and she often cooks these dishes.
— Do you have a favorite place in Kyrgyzstan?
— My home, the theater, and of course, Issyk-Kul. I go there often. I relax not only on the beach but also in the mountains, for example, in the Grigorievsky Gorge. I am also attracted to the picturesque Ala-Archa Gorge near Bishkek. Nature helps me recover after intense work. Rehearsals and performances are interesting, but morally challenging.
— How do you cope with nerves before performances?
— With experience, I have become less nervous. I believe in God, and this helps me to tune in properly and get rid of unnecessary thoughts.
— Are you striving for an international career?
— Who wouldn't want that? But at the moment, I am focused on my performances here in Kyrgyzstan. I have a lot on my plate. I have participated in photo shoots and have been invited to a modeling agency. There have also been offers in film, but nothing concrete has happened yet.
When I retire, I dream of opening a ballet academy and helping to nurture young artists. I am confident in the future of Kyrgyzstan and have no doubt about its prosperity.
