Asian and European dancers are coming together for Hanoi ’s dance festival from September 24-28, giving the audience an insight into contemporary dance from different countries, featuring different styles.

Almuth Meyer-Zollitsch, Director of the Goethe Institute, told a press meeting in Hanoi on September 23 that the “Europe Meets Asia in Contemporary Dance” festival provides a platform for dancers, either trained classically such as in ballet, or street dancers, to come together and develop a new language and style of dance, while increasing the public’s awareness of contemporary dance in Hanoi.

During the festival, performers from Belgium, Germany, France, Japan, Sweden, Finland and Vietnam will showcase their talents in a number of shows.

‘Scarabe’ or ‘The Rolling Dung Beetle’ marks the start of the festival at Tuoi Tre (Youth) theatre on September 24. The piece was developed by Finnish choreographer and solo dancer Virpi Pahkinen , who successfully toured more than 45 countries with critical acclaim.

Belgian choreographer Karine Ponties, who joins the festival for the second time, will work with Nguyen Van Nam from the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet on a solo dance performance.

Renowned Vietnamese choreographer Tran Ly Ly will conclude the festival with a dance that tells the story of a young man growing up in a rapidly changing society.

The festival takes place every year, and was launched in 2011.-VNA