In March 2026, the Ballet successfully completed first stage of the Global Dance Overture international cultural and educational project was successfully completed. It brought together Russia, the UAE, Egypt, China, and India.

The project became an effective tool for creative collaboration by introducing residents of the BRICS countries to the history and diversity of Russian culture.

The success of the initiative and numerous positive reviews confirmed the high potential of international cooperation in the field of choreographic art. This experience served as the foundation for a new step in the development of cultural dialogue — the BRICS Alliance of Folk Dance. The initiative to create the alliance, put forward by Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova and supported by the BRICS ministers of culture, aims to popularize and preserve the unique dance heritage. Kostroma Russian National Ballet is the organizer and main convener of this association on the Russian side.

Kostroma Russian National Ballet invites representatives of the professional community and partners to participate in the first international online forum dedicated to the formation and development of the BRICS Alliance of Folk Dance Culture.

Date: April 28, 2026.

Time: 11:00 AM (Moscow time)

Venue: Zoom.

Working language: English.

The forum will be a key platform for consolidating the efforts of professionals from Russia, the UAE, China, India, and Egypt in the field of folk dance. During the event, strategies for collaboration will be discussed, the results of joint projects will be summarized, and the regulatory framework that will lay the foundation for the Alliance's activities in the coming years will be approved.

Kostroma Russian National Ballet, supported by the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Ministry of Culture, the ministries of culture, and other partners in the participating countries, successfully completed the first stage of the Global Dance Overture, the Russian international cultural and educational project in the BRICS countries.

In 2025, the project encompassed four countries: the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, China, and India, allowing the company not only to showcase its skills on the international stage but also to conduct a series of professional master classes as part of the educational component of the project.

The first stage culminated in a large-scale performance in India. A creative dialogue between Russia and India took place on the stage of the Kamani Theatre in New Delhi, becoming a living embodiment of the BRICS spirit. A joint choreographic production, prepared by Kostroma Russian National Ballet and Indian dancers selected by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, was enhanced with elements of the traditional Holi celebration. The vibrant performance became a symbol of friendship, harmony, and the desire of nations for global dialogue.

This experience became an important step in the development of cultural exchange, allowing the artists to find common ground and transcend borders through the universal language of folk dance.


Educational Mission and Cultural Dialogue

The educational component, implemented by the Governorate Ballet School Choreographic College, included open performances of a folk dance lesson for students, workshops in Russian folk dance for students from educational institutions in participating countries, and an exchange of experience with leading choreographers from partner countries. Russian dancers were introduced to the traditions of Indian, Chinese, Arabic, and Egyptian dance, while international participants learned about Russia's unique professional education system and elements of Russian folk dance.

The meetings culminated in joint creative performances and the Round Dance of Friendship international flash mob, which was launched for the first time in the UAE and brought together students from different countries. An important outcome of the educational component was the foundation of members of the BRICS Alliance of Folk Dance from Russia, China, the UAE, India, and Egypt.

Leading artists collaborated with the educational component of the project. Educational organizations from participating countries included the Sharjah Academy of Performing Arts (UAE), the Egyptian Academy of Arts (Egypt), the Beijing Dance Academy (China), and the Sangeet Natak Academy of Dance, Music, and Drama (India).


Cultural Program and Premieres

Each country hosted premieres of the Russian National Dance Show where dancers from Kostroma Ballet presented the dance culture of Russia's multinational community. Local dance troupes participated in the programs, creating unique joint finales symbolizing the friendship and unity of nations.

In the UAE, the Arabic folk dance Al Ayyala was performed for the first time at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre; in India, the composition "Jayati Jaya Mama Bharatam" was performed; in Egypt, the "Nubian Dance" performed by the Reda ensemble; and in China, a joint finale featuring the Chinese Oriental Performing Arts Group was held. The distinguished guests included representatives of government and cultural institutions, diplomats, artists, and members of the public.


Results and Prospects

The success of the project confirmed its status as an effective soft power tool, facilitating the creation of a unified cultural space among the BRICS countries.

The completion of the first stage marks the beginning of active preparations for the continuation of the Global Dance Overture in 2026-2027, project events will be held in India, Ethiopia, Brazil, and South Africa.

The proposal on important strategic cooperation was made by Olga Lyubimova, the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation at the Meeting of BRICS Culture Ministers, which took place within the framework of the 10th St. Petersburg Forum of United Cultures.

"Folk culture is an art that vividly demonstrates the culture of each country, conveys historical features and unique traits. We propose to create an alliance of leading creative teams and educational organizations specializing in national dance," the Minister said. She noted that such an alliance would be based on the cooperation of BRICS dance schools, on sharing experience, co-working of creative young people, development of joint creative projects and festivals. .

The Alliance of BRICS Folk Dance, initiated and performed by Kostroma Russian National Ballet, is aimed at development, cross-study, preservation, popularization and mutual promotion of folk dance culture of friendly countries and uniting peoples on the grounds of common humanitarian values.

The FIRST STAGE of the Alliance's activities involves the large-scale international project by Kostroma Russian National Ballet in cultural and humanitarian interaction between the BRICS countries – The Global Dance Overture – and its cultural and tourist educational International Creative Dacha project. In 2025, the project will take place in Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia and China, in 2026 – in Brazil, India and Ethiopia.

The project includes a number of cultural and educational events: the Russian National Show, a large-scale choreographic performance about the history of Russia and the diversity of cultures of its multinational people and the presentation of the Russian Professional School of Folk Dance. In each country dancers, choreographers, students of choreographic schools and folk dance lovers will see a demo workshop performed by students and graduates of the Governorate Ballet School choreographic college as well as a cross-cultural workshop.

The project will culminate in the First International Creative Shift for foreign dancers of the BRICS countries, opened by the Kostroma Russian National Ballet International Ballet Art Centre in Russia, as well as the BRICS Folk Dance Culture Festival at Sirius Federal Territory in 2026.

"In this way the participants will be able to acquire the necessary practical skills for stage performances and for teaching the basics of Russian folk dance in their countries. It will contribute to the permanent presence and promotion of Russian culture in the BRICS countries, and help to form the world choreographic community," says Elena Tsarenko, President of Kostroma Russian National Ballet.

The Meeting resulted in the proposal to establish The Alliance of BRICS Folk Dance, which was supported and included in the Declaration of the BRICS Ministers of Culture, containing the main initiatives and plans for the near future.

The first international online meeting of the BRICS Alliance of Folk Dance was held at the International Center of Ballet Art «Kostroma».

The event brought together participants of the “Global Dance Overture” project from BRICS countries. Heads and representatives of leading dance academies from Russia, China, India, and Egypt discussed the future of the project and announced unprecedented international initiatives.

The meeting began with a review of the first stage of the project, completed in March 2026. “Global Dance Overture” was successfully held in the UAE, Egypt, China, and India. As noted by Elena Tsarenko, President of Kostroma Russian National Ballet, dance has become a universal language that helps build bridges of friendship between nations without unnecessary words.

The meeting was moderated and coordinated by Maria Veshkina, Director of the Governorate Ballet School Choreographic College and Alliance Project Coordinator. The discussion included:

• From Russia: Elena Tsarenko, President of Kostroma Russian National Ballet
• From Egypt: Michael Youssef, representative of the Higher Institute of Ballet of the Egyptian Academy of Arts
• From China: Quin Yanxi, Director of the International Relations Department of the Beijing Dance Academy
• From India: Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi

The participants emphasized the successful completion of the first stage of the project, which has become a unique tool for cultural exchange.

“I would like to emphasize that ‘Global Dance Overture’ is only the beginning of a long and fruitful journey. This project, which brought together cultures so different yet so close in spirit, has proven that art can overcome any barriers — whether linguistic or geographical. We have seen how the younger generation of artists eagerly embraces and learns the richness of national traditions, how interest in folk dance is growing, and how new forms and interpretations are emerging based on deep respect for history,” said Elena Tsarenko in her speech.

Maria Veshkina presented a detailed development plan for the Alliance, highlighting the importance of creating a digital ecosystem, including an official website that will serve as a unified information platform and feedback hub.

The first announced initiative was the project “International Creative Dacha (Residency),” scheduled for autumn 2027. This ten-day educational program in the historic Russian city of Kostroma is designed for young dancers and choreographers from BRICS countries. The program includes daily workshops and practical sessions led by the leading instructors of Kostroma Russian National Ballet. In addition, each participant or team will conduct cross-cultural workshops presenting the national dances of their countries. The program also includes theoretical classes, excursions around Kostroma, attendance at a ballet performance in Moscow, and a city tour of the capital. The culmination will be a final performance — a Russian folk dance created collaboratively by all participants, along with the piece “Kalinka” staged by Honored Artist of Russia Yuri Tsarenko, with the right to perform it royalty-free.

The second major initiative is the BRICS Folk Dance Festival (2028).

Its main goal is to create a unique creative community of young dancers and choreographers from BRICS countries.

Each of the five festival days will offer new discoveries. The program includes:

• “National Master Classes” — daily sessions led by delegations presenting their traditional dance culture
• “National Lounges” — presentations of cuisine, crafts, and everyday life of BRICS countries
• “Circle Dance of Friendship” — a large-scale dance flash mob at Susaninskaya Square in Kostroma, uniting participants, guests, and residents as a symbol of cultural unity
• Project session “Together into the Future” — discussions on intercultural dialogue, strengthening international friendship, and developing joint cultural initiatives

The entertainment program includes themed parties, creative coworking sessions, and photo shoots, helping participants connect, exchange knowledge, and build friendships.

“Participation in the Alliance projects does not entail any financial or political obligations. The only thing that unites us is a sincere love for art and the desire to build bridges of friendship,” summarized Maria Veshkina.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand the geography of the projects and to create educational platforms that will enable young artists from BRICS countries not only to preserve traditions but also to build a new, harmonious world through the art of choreography.