JERUSALEM, April 14, 2010 (WAFA)- CityDance Ensemble, an American modern dance troupe from Washington, D.C., performed for hundreds of schoolchildren and families in Jerusalem and Jericho as a part of a two-day cultural exchange program this week sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, in cooperation with the Jericho Municipality and the American Corner in Jericho.
The nine-person company is visiting the region for the second consecutive year. They utilize high energy, innovative modern dance techniques, original music and storytelling to highlight issues they care about -- including climate change and international engagement. The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem invited CityDance to perform as a part of its month-long environmental awareness program, which includes cultural and educational events throughout April that bring Americans and Palestinians together to address our shared concerns about the environment.
CityDance Ensemble is a four-time Washington, DC Mayor's Arts Award winning dance and dance education organization. The organization, which has a strong commitment to issues of social justice, seeks to advance the appreciation for and participation in the art of dance. The company’s Co-Founder and Artistic Director Paul Gordon Emerson noted that this visit is important because it “fosters dialogue and understanding that cannot be accomplished in any other way. There is nothing more important I can think of for CityDance to be doing as a dance company. It has been out honor to visit Jerusalem and the West Bank and we hope to be able to return for years to come.”
U.S. Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs, Frank Finver, said at the opening performance in Jerusalem on April 13 that he was pleased to acquaint Palestinian audiences with CityDance Ensemble through their performances of Jungle Books and Dancing in One Language. Audiences attending the performances at Al Hakawati Theater in Jerusalem and at the City Hall in Jericho raved about the experience. Paul Gordon Emerson invited them to attend performances by CityDance Ensemble throughout April as a part of the upcoming Ramallah Contemporary Dance Festival.
