Bishkek, Oct. 14, 2026 /Kabar/. Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev and Director of the State Agency for State Property Management Beksultan Tokonov introduced Nurlan Konokbaev as the new director to the staff of the Abubakir Izibaev Kyrgyz State Circus.
By an order issued on October 13, 2026, by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev, Nurlan Mairambekovich Konokbaev was appointed director of the State Circus.
During the introduction of the new head, Mirbek Mambetaliev highlighted the importance of further developing the art of the circus, supporting the creative team, and improving the quality of programs for audiences.
He also wished the new director success in his work, emphasizing the need to unlock the institution's creative potential, implement new approaches, and expand international cultural cooperation.
Biographical Information
Nurlan Konokbaev was born on August 6, 1985, in Balykchy, Issyk-Kul region.
In 2003, he graduated from the Cholponbek Bazarbaev Bishkek Choreographic School, and in 2009, he graduated from the Kalyi Moldobasanov Kyrgyz National Conservatory with a specialization in "Director-Choreographer."
He began his professional creative career in 2001 with Ak-Maral Kyrgyz Folk Ensemble. From 2003 to 2004, he worked as a soloist with the State Academic Dance Theater of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and from 2004 to 2006, as a guest principal soloist with the Abdylas Maldybaev Kyrgyz National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.
From 2006 to 2018, he served as a principal ballet soloist at the Abai Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. Between 2008 and 2011, he also performed as a guest principal artist with the Saltanat State Dance Ensemble in Kazakhstan.
In 2012, he founded Konokbaev Group, a company specializing in organizing international tours, ballet productions, festivals, and gala concerts.
In 2019, he established AlanBars Group LLC in the USA, a company dedicated to developing and implementing international cultural projects.
Since December 2024, he has served as the director of the Almaty Theatre in Almaty.
Nurlan Konokbaev is a multiple prize-winner at international ballet competitions. He has won gold, silver, and bronze medals at competitions in Seoul, Astana, Perm, Sochi, and Donetsk.
In 2010, he was awarded the Chingiz Aitmatov Prize’s Gold Diploma for his contribution to the development of ballet in Kyrgyzstan.
Throughout his professional career, he has executed numerous major international cultural projects, including tours by renowned ballet companies and productions featuring leading artists from global theaters, as well as initiatives aimed at supporting young talent and strengthening international cultural cooperation.
