The first notes of Kara-Zhorga dance were taken by artist and choreographer Aubakir Ismailov in 1928 during the meeting with Akhtai Mamanov, chief of amateur-talent group based at Kazkomuna boarding school in Petropavlovsk (city in northern Kazakhstan).
The same year A.Ismailov with the artist A.Shegebekov performed Kara-Zhorga on the stage of Petropavlovsk cultural centre. Kara-Zhorga was performed by H.Sarsembayev, M.Utegenov and Bolshakhbayev at Moscow Folk Dance Festival in 1936. In 1934 A.Ismailov directed Khara-Zhorga dance for GITIS (Russian University of Theatre Arts in Moscow) acting group. In 1939 the dance was added to the repertoire of Kazakh State Philharmonic Folk Dance Ensemble. The elements of Kara-Zhorga dance were used in setting of the first Kazakh ballet performance “Aiman-Sholpan” with choreographic adaptation performed by Ali Ardobus and Aubakir Ismailov. Ballet master Ali Ardobus enriched Kara-Zhorga dance with new elements. In 1943 Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre put up “Kazakh dance suite” which included Kara-Zhorga dance. The dance was exhibited at 1959 Montreal EXPO. Professional recording of Kara-Zhorga dance was reproduced by A.Ismailov in collaboration with chief ballet master Dauren Abirov in 1961, in their joint study on Kazakh folk dances.
Today, all folk dance ensembles across the country practice this dance. Professional dancing groups apply elements of "Kara Zhorga" in their performances. The dance has become a visiting card of Kazakh performing arts. Nowadays all population of Kazakhstan despite age, social, ethnic and religious background enjoy and practice the dance during festive events and gatherings (wedding, national holidays and etc).