CityDance Brings Dance Diplomacy to Minsk and Grodno

Esplanade by Paul Taylor performed by CityDance Ensemble in Minsk

The audience of over 700 at the Belarusian State Philharmonic Society gave a standing ovation to the CityDance Ensemble from Washington, DC, who with its September 16th performance in Minsk started a three-week tour of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia.  The distinguished American contemporary dance company under the artistic leadership of Paul Gordon Emerson presented to Belarusians a versatile program, including modern choreography pieces by Christopher K. Morgan, Kate Weare, Vladimir Angelov, Ludovic Jolivet and legendary Paul Taylor. In his welcome remarks preceding the show, Chargé d'Affaires Michael Scanlan noted that “The CityDance artists are an excellent example of cultural ambassadors from the United States who are committed to sharing their talent and passion for dance with people from all over the world.” The U.S. Embassy was honored to support their visit to Belarus, which along with a public performance in Minsk also included a concert in Grodno and master classes for dance students and faculty at the Belarusian State Choreography College and Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts.

The U.S. Embassy Minsk is happy to continue its cultural programming in the coming fall months, as it remains an efficient tool in advancing the dialog between our two counties.