The United States-based Battery Dance Company, famous for captivating choreography and breathtaking performances, will visit Nigeria for the Dancing to Connect Programme scheduled to hold from July 5 to July 16, 2023.

The programme was sponsored by the U.S. Mission in partnership with the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria.

While in Nigeria, the company, according to a statement made available to The Star on Thursday, July 6, 2023, will offer free workshops in Abuja and Lagos for emerging dance artists, instructors, and stage lighting professionals focusing on contemporary dance techniques and cultural exchange.

The team of Battery Dance instructors will also engage youth in creativity and team building through the art form of modern dance.

Following the workshops, the Battery Dance Company will showcase artistic brilliance through captivating public performances in Lagos and Abuja on July 8 and 15, respectively, as the audience will be treated to breathtaking choreography and compelling narratives.

Speaking on the development, the U.S. Mission Counselor for Public Affairs, Adnan Siddiqi, said the Dance to Connect initiative aimed to promote cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and the enrichment of local communities through the universal language of dance.

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Siddiqi stated that the company’s tour is not only a great opportunity for audience to enjoy their artistry, but a key aspect of the U.S. Mission’s cultural diplomacy.

Siddiqi said: “The U.S. Mission is proud to bring Battery Dance to Nigeria to showcase American innovation and diversity in the performing arts.

“The upcoming workshops and dance performances promise to be an exciting, inclusive experience that will expand people-to-people dialogue and cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States.”

On his part, the Founder and Artistic Director of Battery Dance Company, Jonathan Hollander, said: “Coming to Lagos is a dream come true for all of us. We’ve taken so much inspiration from the talented Nigerian dancers and cultural leaders over the years since our earlier visits in 2011 and 2013.

“With Sarah Boulos and SPAN in New York and Lagos, we found a parallel mission of artistic excellence and social impact. We’re grateful to the U.S. Consulate in Lagos and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja for believing in the power of people-to-people engagement through the arts.”

The Star