By AFP
The US government said Wednesday it will send US dance companies in 2012 to east and south central Asia as well as to the Middle East and Africa to act as American cultural ambassadors.
“Tours are slated to fan out across the globe beginning in January 2012, when members of the selected US dance companies will perform and participate in educational outreach activities,” the State Department said.
The dancers whom the State Department described as “cultural diplomats” will conduct workshops, master classes, and stage and arts management sessions, it added.
Trey McIntyre Project, a contemporary dance troupe based in Boise, Idaho, will tour in China, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Rennie Harris Puremovement, a hip-hop dance company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will visit Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan.
Sean Curran Company, a contemporary dance company based in New York, New York, travel to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
Jazz Tap Ensemble, based in Los Angeles, California, will tour in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it said.
The program will also involve an exchange where an international dance company will come to the United States “to share their culture as well as learn about American culture,” the State Department said.
