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