Qara jorğa - Kazackstan


“Whenever I hear the music, I immediately start to move and dance”

Daria Bugakova

What is the song about? What does the song mean?

Qara jorğa (Қара Жорға) is the name of a Kazakh folk dance and the accompanying küy (traditional instrumental piece). The dance symbolizes joy of life and the close bond between the Kazakh nomadic culture and horses. The movements of the dancers imitate the rhythm and gallop of a black trotter, highlighting the role of the horse in daily life and Kazakh culture.

Why is the song so well known in your country of origin?

This dance is performed at almost every celebration. Even if someone doesn’t know how to dance, the movements are very intuitive and easy to follow. The song celebrates life and invites people to dance and enjoy it.

What special meaning does the song have for you?

It always brings me joy and a smile on my face whenever I hear the music! I immediately start to move and dance. Because I learned the dance when I was a kid, in some sense it is a special melody for me. I would say that it is a song that really represents our country, welcoming and inviting everyone to share and celebrate life.

Tell us something about yourself. Who are you?

My name is Daria Bugakova. I am a postdoc researcher at the University of Twente. I live in Enschede with my Colombian partner.

Sheet music