Kara Jorga information

Kara Jorga or Kara Zhorga (Kazakh: Qara jorğa - "Black Ambler") is a traditional Kazakh instrumental song (küy) and dance depicting a horse that uses an ambling gait.^[1] Along with other nomadic dances, the Kara Zhorga dance (Black pacer) connected to animalistic symbolism and Tengrianism. The dance can be performed with other instrumental songs (küy), however, Kara Jorga became most popular among Kazakh and then Kyrgyz people. Similar dance moves are also native to Mongolian people.

During the Soviet period, as a consequence of Kazakh famine, collectivization and urbanization, Kara Jorga song and dance were almost lost and became subjects for research and experimental elements for Kazakh ballet.^[2] However, these traditions were preserved by Kazakh who survived famine by fleeing to China in the early 20th century, which was reported by National Geographic reporters in the 1950s of the 20th century.^[3] It was then popularized in Kazakhstan since the post-independence period, mostly by Kazakh repatriates from China and Turkey, such as Arystan Shadetuly – a professional Kara Jorga dancer. The first music video released by Kazakhs in China in 2009. Several flash mobs were staged both in China and Kazakhstan.^[4] The largest Kara Jorga dance was achieved in Astana by 399 performers on 16 December 2011.^[5]