Head of the EU Delegation in Belgrade Michael Davenport said 12th Belgrade Dance Festival “brings the world to Serbia and sends a positive image of Serbia to the world”. Each year, the Festival heralds the arrival of spring through music, joy and dance. The manifestation facilitates convergence between European and other nations and cultures and unites our countries in diversity, Davenport said at the press conference at the National Assembly of Serbia.
Assessing that “this kind of experience exchange is important in the process of EU integration,” Davenport added: “Together, we are stronger and make better players”.
Over the years, EU-Serbia relations have grown closer and closer both economically and politically, Davenport said.
From 23 March-9 April, the audiences will be able to see 20 shows, with participation of 13 companies from 11 countries – United Kingdom, Switzerland, Israel, Germany, US, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and France.
“It seems that, even if we wanted to be smaller and less good than we are now, it would not be possible, because there is no turning back,” Festival Director Aja Jung said at the conference.
According to her, 16 shows will be performed in Belgrade, two in Novi Sad and one in Pancevo and Vrsac each.
The Festival, held under the slogan “Capture Light”, will host several international premiers, said Aja Jung, adding that each show is “an invitation to enjoy and contemplate”.
Serbian Minister of Culture Ivan Tasovac said that the Festival became not only an artistic, but also an important tourist destination in the region.
We must not be afraid of great visions, we must set ourselves the highest possible professional standards, alongside passionate work, Tasovac said.
London Sadler’s Wells Theatre and their “Milonga” show open the Festival in Novi Sad on 23 March.
