New Delhi, March 4 Masterful choreography and striking visual design came together as globally acclaimed Russian National Ballet "Kostroma" turned a Delhi stage into a "vast artistic canvas" on Tuesday night, depicting Russia's cultural diversity and heritage, and its enduring spirit.
The vibrant display of colours, costumes, and choreography during the event at Kamani Theatre, held under the Global Dance Overture programme for BRICS countries, also marked a "milestone" for Indo-Russian cultural cooperation.
In a highlight, Indian dancers presented the composition 'Jayati Jaya Mama Bharatam', a curated choreographic tribute to India's pluralistic cultural identity, integrating selected folk traditions from across the country into a unified artistic narrative.
As the show, held on the eve of Holi, drew to its climax, Russian performers were joined on stage by Indian artistes as ballet turns blended with Bharatnatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri, among other Indian dance forms, marking a unique moment of cultural confluence.
The dancers also enacted vibrant Holi celebrations with flower petals on stage.
The Global Dance Overture project was announced at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia in 2024. This project comes under the Alliance of BRICS Folk Dance, set up shortly before the Summit, Russian envoy Denis Alipov said in his address at the Tuesday event.
The envoy described the show as a "vast artistic canvas, a sweeping journey through the centuries of Russian history told entirely through the language of dance."
"Through a carefully constructed dramatic arc, 'Kostroma' traces the evolution of the nation from its ancient traditions and regional folklore to the resilience, lyricism, and strength that define Russia's cultural identity," he said.
Through masterful choreography, stirring music, and striking visual design, the performance evoked the vastness of Russia's landscapes, the richness of its multi-national heritage, and the enduring spirit that unites its people, Alipov said.
On a digital backdrop, artistic images of Russia's historic palaces, other landmarks, and cultural elements played, as artistes wearing elaborately designed costumes performed on stage.
Lubava Gribanova, part of the Russian troupe which dazzled the audience on Tuesday night, said it was a moment of great joy to bring the Global Dance Overture project to India.
"Since our arrival in Delhi, we have learned many things about its dance forms and culture. It's great to perform here," she told