Polina Kamysheva, a ballerina, was born in Bishkek in 2004. At the age of five, her family moved to Russia hoping to stay there forever, but a few years ago they returned to their homeland due to the deteriorating situation in the country.
Currently, Polina performs at the Abdyla Maldybaev National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet in Kyrgyzstan. She has trained in various countries, and ahead of her are tours and further plans related to Kyrgyzstan.
— How did you get into ballet?
— I practiced rhythmic gymnastics from early childhood, and at 12, I entered the Choreographic School. After attending a ballet performance, I was struck by the beauty of the performances. The atmosphere, the music, and the artists left an indelible impression on me.
I started my training in Krasnodar, then continued at the Perm State Choreographic School. I received an invitation to the Royal Ballet in Belgium, but I couldn't go. I studied at the Ballet Academy in Astana for a year and a half, and in 2024 I returned to Bishkek and joined the Opera and Ballet Theater. My father is a football player who played for clubs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, and after returning, he opened a football academy.
Our theater has a friendly atmosphere, and the management is always ready to support. It is a historic place, and I am proud to work here. We treat the costumes and wigs with care — for us, they are not just props, but real museum relics. Our predecessors performed in them 30-40 years ago, and even the dressing rooms have remained unchanged.
— What is the level of popularity of ballet in Kyrgyzstan?
— Our performances often fill the hall. For example, on New Year's, we had a sold-out show with the ballet "The Nutcracker." We plan to stage "Cholpon" soon, and I am sure it will attract no fewer spectators.
I participate in 15-20 performances. Recently, our ballet troupe went on tour to Spain for the first time, where we performed "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake" for two weeks. In our free time, we managed to visit local attractions. We have talented artists, and we have much to be proud of. I hope there will be more tours.
— What are your feelings upon returning to Bishkek after a long absence?
— I was struck by how little the city had changed during my absence. It still resembled a large village with neglected architecture and roads. However, in recent years, positive changes are noticeable: modern neighborhoods are being built, for example, in the southern part of the capital where I live, wide roads and nice houses have appeared. But unfortunately, the air quality has worsened.
— Do Bishkek and Krasnodar have anything in common?
— Yes, the climate is similar. Prices in Kyrgyzstan are still lower than in Russia, but they are gradually leveling out, especially for food products.
— How do you feel about the locals? Is it easy to find common ground?
— I lived in Russia and Kazakhstan, so I can compare. In Kyrgyzstan, I met the most open and kind people. However, it seems that many have a lot of worries, and fatigue is visible on their faces when they return from work.
— Is punctuality a problem here?
— In my circle, quite the opposite, everyone is very punctual. Artists are instilled with discipline and respect for others from childhood, and punctuality is an important part of that.
— What dishes of Kyrgyz cuisine do you like?
— I love plov and manti. My mother has Uzbek roots, and she often cooks these dishes.
— Do you have favorite places in Kyrgyzstan?
— My home, the theater, and of course, Issyk-Kul. I often relax there, 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. I adore nature; it helps me restore my strength after work. Constant rehearsals and performances are interesting, but mentally exhausting.
— Do you feel nervous before performances?
— With experience, the nerves have decreased. Faith in God helps. The main thing is to set yourself correctly and get rid of unnecessary thoughts.
— Do you dream of conquering world stages?
— Who wouldn't dream of that? But right now, I am focused on my work here in Kyrgyzstan. I have many plans. I have participated in photo shoots several times and received an invitation to a modeling agency; there was also an opportunity to act in a movie, but that hasn't happened yet.
When I retire, I dream of opening a ballet academy and teaching young artists. I believe in the future of Kyrgyzstan and am confident that the country is destined for prosperity.
