Once a symbol of pride for the ex-soviet republic, The Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theater has now fallen into decay. Built in 1935, the theater was supported by the U.S.S.R but after the fall of the Soviet Union, central funding for the arts stopped. Since then the Kyrgyz government took control of the theatre but made little effort to maintain nor to revive the arts.

Today the dancers are badly paid, with no medical benefits nor work expenses coverage. Many of lack motivation to continue their craft. Hence, dancers have taken their talents abroad and found success in it, a testament to the ballet schooling in Bishkek. Half of the current roster in the theatre have careers abroad but most came back due to Covid-19, cling to the idea of bringing back the glory days of the theatre