The program of the 30th International Festival of Modern Choreography (IFMC) in Vitebsk rivals many European forums, choreographer Radu Poklitaru, chairman of the IFMC international jury, Honored Artist of Ukraine, People's Artist of Moldova, told a press conference in the BelTA press center on 1 November.

"The role of the IFMC in Vitebsk can hardly be overestimated. When I look at all the authors and dancers throughout the festival's history, I realize that the whole art of modern dance in the post-Soviet countries derives from this festival, either directly or indirectly. Virtually every choreographer of my age can be called a Vitebsk native," Radu Poklitaru remarked.

He commended the high level of the program of the IMFC anniversary edition that features works which not every European festival can boast.

Radu Poklitaru himself will introduce to the Vitebsk audience the Long Christmas Dinner ballet to Antonio Vivaldi's music staged by Kiev Modern-Ballet. He is also expected to meet with the viewers at the screening of Anna Matison's After You're Gone.

The big-name choreographer is to chair the international jury at the festival. According to him, the artists should make the members of the jury cry, laugh, admire, and hate – in a word, to allure them.

The 2017 IFMC will take place from 15 to 19 November. The festival was established by the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, the Culture Ministry, the Vitebsk City Hall, Belarus' National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater. The organizer is the Vitebsk cultural center.

BELARUSIAN NEWS