Abstract
This article is of interest because it approaches traditional Kazakh dance using an ontological perspective. The importance of this method in studying traditional dance is clarified through the example of the Kazakh national dance "Kamyzhai." Kazakh art, which includes aitys (oral poetry contests), epic poetry, instrumental art, singing, dance, handicrafts, and sports traditions, occupies a special place in national culture. National art reflects the specific features of the people’s lifestyle and traditions. In recent years, discussions in Kazakhstan have intensified around the need to consolidate society and strengthen national identity based on the country’s historical heritage and cultural potential, which fosters connections between the past and the present. In his recent address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of preserving national heritage, considering it a relic passed down from ancestors to the new generation. This article presents a comprehensive ontologically-oriented study of the dance "Kamyzhai," which serves as an initial method for exploring traditional dance, revealing six key components of analysis: dance styles, context and symbolism, musical foundation, poses and movements, costumes and attributes, and traditional rituals and customs. These six main aspects of "Kamyzhai" reveal the connection between textual and dance content, illustrating the upbringing of a girl and her preparation for future social life. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that it is the first research of "Kamyzhai" based on newly discovered factual data. Additional methods used in the article include observation, analytical analysis, and comparison. This article will contribute to enriching the historical and theoretical significance of Kazakh dance, both in practical application and in the educational process.