The US Embassy in Athens, in collaboration with the Onassis Cultural Center and with the support of the Organization for Culture, Sports and Youth of the City of Athens, will present a ten-day educational program with the internationally renowned Battery Dance Company.

From March 5-13, the New York City-based contemporary dance group, which is on a tour of six European countries, will conduct its signature arts education program “Dancing to Connect.” The program boosts creativity and self-confidence and encourages collaboration through dance, while promoting tolerance, understanding and diversity.

The specific program marks the beginning of a coordinated effort by the Onassis Cultural Center to promote the arts through educational programing in public schools of primary and secondary education.

The teaching artists of Battery Dance Company (BDC) will conduct workshops for a total of 100 students, ages 14-17, in five different public schools across Attica. BDC will collaborate with five Greek dance teachers, sharing their techniques through practical training in the workshop process with the students. Five original pieces of choreography will be produced by the students during the 20 hours of intensive training, mentored by their American and Greek teaching artists.

On Wednesday, March 13, a final performance will take place on the Main Stage at the Onassis Cultural Center as the culmination of the program. The students will perform their works and Battery Dance Company and the Greek professional dancers will also perform. The event is free and open to the public.

Since its founding in lower Manhattan in 1976 Battery Dance Company has created nearly 100 productions which have been performed in the US and on five continents around the world. BDC also produces the Downtown Dance Festival, New York City’s longest-running public dance festival. In the realm of arts eduction, BDC has taught thousands of master classes and lectures, provided technical training, and conducted “Dancing to Connect” in 30 countries to date. Battery Dance Company’s history of outreach to diverse international audiences has earned it the reputation of being a leader in cultural diplomacy. Breaking down barriers between people, the organization aims to make dance accessible to everyone.

The event is free and open to the public.

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Onassis Cultural Center, 107-109 Syngrou Avenue, tel 210.900.5800, email: info@sgt.gr