As noted at the forum's opening by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Aleksandr Subbotin, IFMC has become an integral part of our cultural heritage. The festival offers a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the latest trends in choreography, exchange creative experience, and establish professional contacts. It serves as a powerful stimulus for the development of cultural dialogue between countries and peoples, proving that the art of dance knows no borders and can speak a universal language of feelings and emotions.
“The development of a strong national choreography school is a particular source of pride. Our dancers and choreographers today win prestigious international competitions, and their productions are successfully staged on the best stages in Belarus, Russia, and many countries around the world. This is a clear result of focused work on training creative personnel and developing the cultural potential of our country,” said the head of the region.
IFMC has earned recognition as a significant event in international cultural life, showcasing current trends and innovative explorations in contemporary choreography. The festival's focus on the future – supporting young talents, experimental forms, and bold creative solutions – adds particular value, as emphasised in his welcome address by the Minister of Culture of Belarus, Ruslan Chernetsky.
The first festival evening introduced the main protagonists of the dance forum – participants of the national competition, which will be held for the last time. Henceforth, it will only be conducted in an international format. Twenty ensembles from various parts of Belarus will compete for IFMC awards. Vitebsk will be represented by the project of Anna Konstantinova, the Honoured Amateur Ensemble of the Republic of Belarus People's Theatre-Studio of Contemporary Choreography, and the "TEG" Studio of Contemporary Dance of the Vitebsk State College of Culture and Arts.
In the second part, the audience enjoyed the divertissement programme "Bolero+" by the "Ballet Moscow" troupe from the "Novaya Opera" Theatre.
Three dance miniatures staged by three choreographers: "Tango, Song and Dance," "Undine," and Presto con moto. The performance concluded with a choreographic interpretation of Maurice Ravel's famous work "Bolero."