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.
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.