Integrated Art Keeps Growing in Yekaterinburg

Дуэйн Шейнеман и Мэрион Балдеон (REVolutions Dance, США) на сцене театра "Щелкунчик", г. Екатеринбург
REVolutions Dance's workshop at Schelkunchik Theater (photo belongs to the State Department)
REVolutions Dance’s workshop at Schelkunchik Theater (photo belongs to the State Department)

Dwayne Scheunemann and Marion Baldeon of REVolutions Dance Company, Tampa, Florida spent an intensive week of workshops, performances and public meetings in Yekaterinburg in September 18-24.  The American dancers participated in the Inclusive Arts Festival organized by Blagoe Delo non-profit group in preparation for the 1st World Congress of People with Disabilities scheduled for September 2017.  Within the framework of the Festival Dwayne and Marion conducted several workshops for children and adults, with an emphasis on techniques for partnering in contemporary integrated dance.

Workshop at Yeltsin Center (photo belongs to the State Department)
Workshop at Yeltsin Center (photo belongs to the State Department)

The duets performed by REVolutions Dance stirred a lot of applause and admiration from the audience.  The Gala show of the Festival that took part in the Schelkunchik Municipal Ballet Theater featured over 140 dancers of different ages from all over Russia.  It was a true celebration of integrated arts and creative opportunities for all.  Another highlight of the visit was the dance performance Dance Manifestations: Freedom of Actions at the Yekaterinburg Museum of Architecture and Design, which was organized by Small Format Dance Festival director Yekaterina Zharinova.  The night included performances by local contemporary dance choreographers experimenting with movement and exploring the integrated dance area.  The U.S. artists were also invited to conduct a dance workshop at Yeltsin Presidential Center and took part in a webinar for members of the Inclusiveness Experts School organized by the White Cane non-profit organization.  Speaking at the Urals Alumni Forum on the last day of their program, Dwayne and Marion said how impressed they were with Yekaterinburg and with the hospitality, progressiveness, and energy of its citizens.

Photo album:https://www.flickr.com/photos/yekatconsulate/collections/72157673052365571/