He was indeed a man with great foresight, a man who through his art did much to dispel myths that separated Russia from the West.
"Moiseyev, called the king of folk dance, attracted the West to Russian culture at a time of deep political hostility and won standing ovations around the world.
He brought traditional folk dance onto the professional stage by combining ethnic moves with classic ballet. His numbers -- from the Russian peasant girl dance to the Greek Sirtaki -- were hailed as promoting peace and tolerance by showing that each culture is unique. He amazed Americans with his take on rock 'n' roll and square dance." Via NY Times
It must have saddened him to see the recent events between his country and ours , the strains and tensions that have arisen which put us at odds and have seemed to deepen age old chasms and wounds. Like many men and women who do their life's work in a way that brings them success and notoriety, they develop a mission.
Igor's mission was to bring the West and Russia closer together. He did it through dance. He spoke through his body in a universal language to audiences all over the world. Later in his life he choreographed and formed dance companies to spread his art.
This universal language is what inclusion is all about. The fact that it exists in so many places, through so many forms of expression means that all we have to do is be open to it.
I've included a video of a performance of Balet Igora Moiseyev below.
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