Sozhski Karahod in Gomel to gather dancers from eight countries

“The success of a festival ultimately depends on the quality of its participating companies. This year, we will have more than 50 companies from eight countries: Belarus, Russia, India, Pakistan, China, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, and Turkmenistan. In total, over 1,000 people,” Piotr Sverdlov described the geographical makeup of the participants.

He noted that every company features talented and interesting artists. “Each company has its own unique and captivating choreography. Everyone has interesting solutions both in terms of music and choreography,” Piotr Sverdlov said.
The festival will open on a grand and spectacular note. The ceremony will take place at Tsentralny Stadium on the evening of 11 September. All in all, more than 2,500 people will join in the friendly round dance, not only the dance companies but also schoolchildren from Gomel, university students, and college students.
Piotr Sverdlov stressed that in the Year of the Belarusian Woman, the festival will narrate the stories of Belarusian women through dance, music, lighting, and video content. “From Euphrosyne of Polotsk to the modern woman,” he specified.

“We are preparing a segment in which we will introduce the art of our guests and showcase a palette of different directions in choreographic art, ranging from folk-stage dance to pop dance, and contemporary choreography,” he revealed some of the secrets of the opening show.

“For the first time, we will welcome the renowned N.S. Nadezhdina State Academic Choreographic Ensemble Berezka from Russia. It will present an entire creative segment, after which Russian and Belarusian companies will jointly perform Kalinka and then Belarusian artists will delight the audience with the energetic Lyavonikha,” the chief director said.

He added that every number in the program will leave audiences impressed. For example, about 800 participants will perform the Dance, Gomel together.

“Another draw of this year's edition is four vocal-choreographic pieces celebrating Sozhski Karahod. Lyrics and songs have been written, and the musical canvases will be enhanced by strong choreography,” the chief director emphasized.
“Overall, the Sozhski Karahod opening gala will feature national and folk flavor, characteristic dances, lights, and laser special effects,” Piotr Sverdlov stressed.

All days of the festival promise to be packed with events. The program features competitions in folk-stage dance, choreography, stylized folk dance, contemporary choreography and pop dance. A professional discussion on the future of choreographic art is also planned. The festival winners will be announced on 12 September, followed by a final gala, which, as the organizers promises, will leave a lasting impression on everyone.