2004 programs and events

Collaborative Modern Dance Project

U.S. Embassy Minsk, with the support of ECA, sponsored from June 5 to 23 a collaborative modern dance project between the Neta Dance Company of New York and the Ensemble of the Choreography Department of the Belarusian State University of Culture (BSUC). For two weeks two U.S. choreographers worked with 18 dancers of BSUC's Choreography Department to bring a production to the stage. The program, entitled "One Rainbow, Five Beds, and Six Vivaldianas," was created by Neta Pulvermacher, Artistic Director of The Neta Dance Company, and Brittany Reese, Assistant Choreographer and dancer with the company.

The project culminated in two public dance recitals at the State Youth Theater of Variety in Minsk on June 18 and 21. In remarks at the first performance, U.S. Ambassador George Krol said, "The art of dance, in its many variants and incarnations, reaches across political and linguistic divides to touch all of us at a human level. It celebrates the human experience in all of us, Americans and Belarusians." When dancers from different nations come together, Ambassador Krol added, "they develop unique bonds of friendship, respect and professional development." Both performances were highly praised by Belarusians, who noted the innovation and sincerity of the program.

During an interview on the live talk show, "Good Morning Belarus," broadcast on the 1st National TV Channel, Pulvermacher and Reese expressed appreciation to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Minsk, the Belarusian Embassy in Washington, and local sponsors for supporting the unique cultural program.