Press releases

GOMEL, 10 August (BelTA) – The 9^th edition of the international dance festival Sozhsky Karagod (Sozh Circle Dance) will take place in Gomel on 14-16 September, BelTA learned from head of the ideology, culture and youth department of the Gomel City Executive Committee Yekaterina Degtyaryova.

Over 30 teams from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Moldova and Serbia sent their applications. The organizing committee is waiting for confirmation from an Indian team. “The festival is expected to draw about a thousand artists and spectators from all over Belarus, as well as from near and far-away countries. The dance styles to be featured include folk dance, modern, pop dance, ballroom dance and other styles,” she noted.

An international ballroom competition Golden Lynx will be held as part of the festival. The program of the festival also includes contests, theatrical processions, solo and team dance performances on various concert venues of Gomel. The organizers do not reveal all the details as they want to surprise the audience; however, they promise they will have a great time at the festival. A spectacular opening show will be held on the Central Stadium on 14 September.

Winners of the choreographic contest will be announced during the closing ceremony on 16 September. The best performers will be given prizes and awards. The jury will feature experienced theater and dance experts from Belarus and abroad.

The international dance festival Sozhsky Karagod was first held in Gomel in 1997. The forum is designed to expand and strengthen cultural ties between nations. The forum was instituted by the Culture Ministry of Belarus, the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee and the Gomel City Executive Committee.