The International Festival of Modern Choreography, which opened in Vitebsk for the 34th time, is one of the most significant events in the country's cultural calendar. This assessment of the dance forum was given in his message by the Minister of Culture of Belarus, Anatoly Markevich. He also noted that throughout its long history, the festival has gained high authority and recognition from masters and fans of contemporary dance worldwide.
During the opening ceremony, preceding the concert program, the participants and spectators of the festival were addressed by the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vyacheslav Durnov, who read out a greeting from the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin. The head of the region noted that IFMC contributes to the promotion of Belarusian choreography in the European and global space.
The main event of the current forum will be the national competition. Young people who think logically, wisely, and beautifully become participants in this creative competition. This was stated by the General Director of the Vitebsk Culture Centre, Gleb Lapitsky, at a meeting with the contestants. This year, about 200 dancers from 25 ensembles have decided to showcase their skills. This is a record number in all years.
– I am happy to live in Vitebsk, where IFMC was born, that we are contemporaries of this global festival, which creates the basis for the modern culture of Belarus, – emphasized Gleb Lapitsky.
The head of the Culture Centre drew the guests' attention to the transformations of the concert hall where the main festival events take place. The building has shone with new bright colours and acquired interesting artistic features and modern technological equipment.
And the chairman of the international jury, which included representatives from Belarus, Germany, Italy, Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, and Croatia, People's Artist of Belarus Konstantin Kuznetsov, noted that IFMC gathers the cream of Belarusian contemporary choreography in Vitebsk.
– I always want to be surprised and enchanted in Vitebsk because you can feel a fresh wave of new ideas and new energy here, – shared his emotions Konstantin Kuznetsov.
On the first festival evening, the contestants were introduced, and then the renowned ballet company "Moscow" took the stage, presenting several miniatures created by different choreographers within the framework of the contemporary dance laboratory.