"We are not strangers in Russia": French Open Dialogue essayist on the similarity of our cultures

The similarity of cultures prevents Europeans from feeling like strangers in Russia, noted Cyril Gaucher, President of "Radio 21" (France) and a participant in the "Investments in Technology" track of the II Open Dialogue. He shared this sentiment after attending the premiere of the musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod", created at the National Centre RUSSIA specifically for the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

"We live on the same territory and are united by a European, in a sense Christian, history. Furthermore, we have much in common from a cultural perspective. For example, the classical music we have in France is certainly very similar to Russian music. Therefore, I do not feel like a stranger when I come here. And I think many Europeans would agree with me that when coming to Russia, thanks to the similarity of cultures, we feel at home here," said Cyril Gaucher.

The international guest also shared his emotions after watching the musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod" itself. According to him, the premiere made as great an impression on him as Russia itself.

"It was a wonderful production: the choreography, the music, and the idea itself. The show left as immense an impression as Russia itself. And it clearly demonstrates that Russia is a very diverse country. In Western Europe, we mostly encounter uniformity, but Russia is something else entirely. We saw the close connection between West and East; we saw how your country's diversity manifests in clothing, food, sounds, and, certainly, in the beautiful and picturesque places with which Russia is so richly endowed," Cyril Gaucher added.

The Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth" is an annual international event initiated by the National Centre RUSSIA in partnership with the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise "Third Rome", with the support of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation. This year, for participation in the II Open Dialogue, authors from 98 countries submitted 1,638 essays raising pressing topics: the impact of artificial intelligence on humans and the future of professions, demographic challenges, the institutional crisis, digital equality, migration issues, and the accessibility of education.

The musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod" is a large-scale project of the National Centre RUSSIA dedicated to one of the country's most important cultural symbols. It involves about 300 artists who, through dance and music — universal languages understood without translation — reveal the richness of the cultures of the peoples of Russia to the audience. The premiere was a highlight in a series of cultural events dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and aimed at strengthening inter-ethnic dialogue and popularising the country's traditions.