ASTANA — Breaking, also widely known as breakdance, made its Olympic debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics, bringing global attention to a dance culture that has long existed between underground battles and competitive sport. But for dancers from Kazakhstan, international recognition began long before the Olympic spotlight.
Over the past decade, several breakers from the country have steadily built their presence on the international stage through global competitions, workshops and judging invitations. Among them are Amir Zakirov from Petropavl, Nikolay Chernikov, known as "Killa Kolya" from Karagandy, Dias Aubakirov from Astana and Vladimir Kalmius from Ekibastuz — dancers whose careers reflect how Kazakhstan's relatively small breaking scene has become part of a wider global movement.
Breaking originated in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s as part of hip-hop culture and combines athletic moves such as spins, power techniques and intricate footwork performed in one-on-one battles. Despite the international achievements, breakers say the community in Kazakhstan remains relatively small.
"The level is strong, but there are not many breakers," Aubakirov told The Astana Times. Aubakirov is part of a younger generation gaining recognition abroad. He won the Fresh Mo Jam international ranking tournament in Indonesia in 2025.
Chernikov said the scene has changed over the past several years. "At the moment, there is not enough mass participation compared to how it developed before 2020. The number of dancers has decreased significantly," said Chernikov, a seven-time Red Bull BC One Kazakhstan champion. At the same time, he noted that a new generation is emerging.
"There are still young dancers who are developing and showing strong potential for the future." Kalmius described the overall situation as balanced. "As of now, the state of breaking in Kazakhstan is neither better nor worse. It is somewhere in the middle," he said.
According to dancers, one distinctive feature of Kazakh breakers on the international stage is their creative approach to the art form.