DANCE VOCABULARY - THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE MUSICAL AND RITUAL TRADITIONS OF THE KAZAKH PEOPLE

Abstract

In this article, the author examines the phenomenon of dance vocabulary as one of the most important elements of the musical and ritual culture of the Kazakh people. The study aimed to identify the structural, semantic, and symbolic connections between movement, sound, and ritual in traditional nomadic culture. The author emphasized that dance vocabulary represents a unique "body language" that encodes archetypal meanings. These meanings reflect the worldview, values, and spiritual attitudes of Kazakh society. The analysis revealed that the plastic elements of folk dances are inextricably linked to the rhythm and intonation of musical forms, forming a unified syncretic artistic complex. Based on ethnographic, musical, and choreographic sources, consistent movements and gestures were identified that perform communicative and sacred functions in life-cycle rituals, such as betashar, zhar-zhar, and zhoktau. Particular attention was paid to the concept of ethnoplasticity as a means of preserving cultural memory and intergenerational continuity. The resulting research demonstrates that dance vocabulary is key to understanding the spiritual and aesthetic code of traditional Kazakh society. Its study and preservation contribute to the strengthening of cultural identity and the development of contemporary ethnochoreographic trends.