It is with truly great pleasure that we present to you today the programme of the 23rd Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival, which will take place in June. The Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival is a leading institution of the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, and is held, as always, in collaboration with the Rialto Theatre.
After a difficult two years, during which we were all tested by the pandemic, and two consecutive postponements - in 2020 and 2021 - this year it became possible to organise the 23rd Festival. In this year's Festival we will have the pleasure to present to the audience nine outstanding works, eight from foreign companies and one from Cyprus.
Since 1998, the first year of the institution, the Festival has given the audience the opportunity to watch innovative performances by dance companies from abroad, thus contributing significantly to the promotion of contemporary dance in Cyprus. The institution also contributed significantly to the strengthening of intercultural dialogue and relations between the dance community of Cyprus and other countries. Through the Festival, the mobility of artists is encouraged and a fertile ground for future collaborations with dance professionals in Cyprus is provided.
After two decades, the institution has managed to build a loyal audience that is constantly growing and becoming wider, as it is embraced by all ages and social strata, by dance professionals and non-dance professionals alike. It is important that, along with the evolution of the Festival, the Cypriot audience has also evolved, becoming more receptive to new ideas and new forms of dance and acquiring higher expectations.
The fact that the Festival has received the EFFE LABEL from the platform "Europe for Festival, Festivals for Europe" is indicative of the recognition that the institution enjoys on a local and European level.
No reference could be made to the long-lasting and valuable cooperation of the Embassies in Cyprus for the success of the institution. The festival could not have taken place without their contribution and support.
Finally, I would like to thank the five-member Project Selection Committee for their work, as well as the officials of the Cultural Services. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth supports in every possible way the promotion of culture, the only strong counterweight to the difficulties of today's life and the general erosion of institutions and values that is taking place.
I wish the 23rd Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival every success.
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