A large-scale project "Russian Pereplyas" will launch at the National Centre RUSSIA during the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia
The year 2026 has been declared the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. In response to this strategic initiative, the National Centre RUSSIA is presenting the large-scale cultural and educational project "Russian Pereplyas" ("Russian Dance-Off"), which will reveal the central theme of the year through original events united by the art of dance.
Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, spoke about the philosophy of the project, which is intended to become a symbol of nationwide harmony.
"Pereplyas is a whirl of unity. Unity in music that gathers people into a circle. In movement, where everyone dances in their own way but listens to the other. In costume, where the colours, patterns, and silhouettes of different regions come together into a single canvas of the peoples of Russia. When music sounds and movement happens in unison, we understand one another without words. This is what unity looks like: in motion, in shimmering rhythms, in a shared beat, in the weave of fabric, and in the common circle," Natalia Virtuozova explained.
A key feature of the "Russian Pereplyas" project will be the active involvement of the country’s regions. Folklorists, local historians, designers, and representatives of other professions will contribute to the creation of a unified choreographic and cultural chronicle of Russia, while the best professional and amateur performers and creative groups from all corners of the country will showcase their skills at the National Centre RUSSIA, inspired by the traditions and cultural and historical heritage of their native lands.
The launch of the project and details of the regional programmes will be announced on the official website of the National Centre RUSSIA at russia.ru. Follow the news and the current schedule of events in the "Events" section.
On 3 March, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the ceremony for the Znanie.Award — the country's enlightening prize and flagship project of the Russian society Znanie.
At the fifth awarding ceremony of the enlightening prize "Znanie.Award", the National Centre RUSSIA became the laureate in the "Enlightening Company of the Year" nomination.
On 3 March, a meeting of the Organising Committee for the Year of Unity of the Peoples of the Russian Federation was held at the National Centre RUSSIA.
