Symbol of unity: the National Centre RUSSIA presented the premiere of the musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod"

---

The National Centre RUSSIA hosted the premiere of the first musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod" — a large-scale project dedicated to one of the country's most important cultural symbols. Approximately 300 artists were involved in the event, and the first audience members included experts and essayists from the II Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth". Through dance and music — universal languages understood without translation — the richness of the cultures of the peoples of Russia was revealed to the audience. In a country where hundreds of languages are spoken, it is dance that remains the element that unites everyone.

During the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, a series of cultural events is planned at the National Centre RUSSIA, aimed at strengthening interethnic dialogue and popularising the traditions of the country's peoples.

"Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin launched the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia at the National Centre. And we continue it here with 'Khorovod'. This is a musical and choreographic parable about our Motherland — the largest country in the world, of which we are proud. Russia is a multi-ethnic state, home to more than 190 peoples. We have succeeded in bringing together various groups from the North, South, West, East, and Central Russia. Some of them were established as far back as the Great Patriotic War — they represent a true cultural heritage. The National Centre showcases and develops young talents. In particular, we staged a special number featuring Bolshoi Theatre soloist Ildar Gainutdinov, throat singing master Olena UUTAI, and a performance by the young generation of artists from the Igor Moiseyev Ensemble. We carefully preserve the creative work of our ancestors and take pride in their art and mastery. The khorovod is one of the oldest dances. People stand in a circle, hold hands, and with kindness create a unified energy. In this dance, there are no first or last, leaders or outsiders — everyone is together. Our great country is the same: it is united. Music and dance are an international language that requires no translation. Here, talent and truth are what matter most," said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

The parable is structured as a multi-layered artistic statement and is divided into five thematic blocks: "Russian Folk Dance", "Dances of the Peoples of Russia" (North, West, South, East, Historical Territories), "Nature of Russia", "Youth and the Future", and "Pereplyas" (The Dance-Off). Each part reveals a separate layer of the country's cultural identity, bridging traditions and modernity.

"The circle is the foundation of the 'Khorovod' parable. The choreography, music, and visual content are built on a circular principle: at the beginning, the audience is seemingly 'spun' into this movement, then they become involved in it, and in the finale, they feel a unified energy. This is a symbol of unity, which was broken down into choreographic and musical parts. The National Centre RUSSIA allows for the organic combination of different genres. A symphonic orchestra features in the parable, which at first glance might seem incompatible with other elements, yet this combination succeeded: it reflects everything that is close and familiar, referencing the Russian code. Groups with their own ethnics and identities — from the North, South, West, and East — are also brought together. This merges with modern ballet. The result is a union of music, choreography, and visual imagery," said Chief Director and Creative Producer Chulpan Piotrovskaya.

As part of the "Dances of the Peoples of Russia" section dedicated to the South, the Alan State Academic Ensemble performed a dagger dance — one of the most complex and spectacular numbers, requiring the highest technique and virtuoso execution.

In the "Nature of Russia" block, the audience was presented with a number created by the National Centre RUSSIA specifically for this project. It combined the modern choreography of international competition laureate and guest soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre, Ildar Gainutdinov, with the unique sound of the khomus (vargan) performed by the world-famous ethno-musician, khomus virtuoso, master of throat singing, and bearer of the culture of the northern peoples of Russia, Olena UUTAi. The key metaphor of the evening — "I dance the music" — was embodied on stage: movement and sound intertwined, conveying the unifying energy of nature. In this artistic dialogue, dance personifies the human being, while singing represents the voice of nature and music itself.

"The leading role in this number belongs to the music. When I first heard it, I got goosebumps — it was true magic. At that time, I was on tour and had already received the finished musical version of the piece. I wanted to get home as soon as possible, lock myself in the studio, and start creating something unique. In the process of working, there was a desire to find new forms and elements, to connect as much as possible with the musical composition — so that we became a single whole and the number turned out unlike anything I had done before. As a result, acrobatics, ballet, and elements of contemporary dance merged in it," noted Ildar Gainutdinov.

The culmination of the programme was the original "Pereplyas" — a dynamic final number in which all participants joined together. In a whirlwind of movement, the artists exchanged rhythms, styles, and cultural codes, creating a unified space of interaction. During the parable, the dancers drew the audience into a shared round dance, erasing the boundary between the stage and the hall.

The performance concluded with the rendition of the composition "Nash Narod Khorovod" (Our People are a Round Dance), which became part of a social media campaign where participants from across the country shared their round dance videos, supporting the idea of unity through movement.

The leading creative groups and ensembles from various regions of the country took part in the musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod": Ergyron (Chukotka), Kantele (Karelia), Alan (North Ossetia), Baikal (Buryatia), Donbass, Gzhel, as well as the School-Studio of the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance. Both recognised masters of folk choreography and young performers working at the intersection of tradition and modernity met on stage. Their performances demonstrated the richness of movement and the unique characteristics of the cultures of Russia's peoples.

A recording of the musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod" can be viewed on the National Centre RUSSIA website and social media, as well as on 10 May on the Kultura TV channel.