14 Aug 2017

Mophato Dance Theatre has been invited to represent Botswana at the Battery Dance International Festival in New York which starts today till August 22.

The esteemed festival that attracts an audience of around 10 000, is to host more than 10 countries across the world this year, to connect international acclaimed dance companies across the world.

The theme of the expedition is “I love my Botswana, your Botswana, Our Botswana”, with the aim of increasing awareness, reducing negative dissonance, producing positive perception & generating interest in our tourism, wildlife and arts industry.

The theme was fashioned to create ownership of Botswana to potential tourists and investors.

In an interview with BOPA, Mophato Dance Theatre marketing and project director Mr Kealeboga Motsumi said Botswana is the only African country invited and the first African country to be honoured with a day that would be covered by the New York Times.

He stated that the group would share the stage with some of the best Dance theatres in the world such as Alvin Alley, Martha Graham and Battery Dance.

Motsumi mentioned Battery Dance New York being a world renowned dance company that has travelled over 45 countries with their cross cultural program, “Dancing to Connect”, as a tool of bilateral cultural engagement.

“Its success is validated by public diplomacy offices, US and international foundations, government agencies and ministries across Europe, Africa, South America and Asia,” he said.

The Battery Dance and Mophato collaboration commenced in September 2016 with the cross cultural arrangement, he added.

He stated that the program being a capacity building project endorsed by the American Embassy Public Affairs Office aimed to cultivate the at-risk youth in Botswana through dance. Also, he said it would breed new life for the dance industry in Botswana by

encouraging the upcoming dance program as well as crafting effective idea implementations, script & concept writing.

Motsumi cited Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) and the American Embassy Public Affairs office as the national expedition sponsors.

“Mophato commends the Destination Management Offices and Diplomatic Agency for the undying support to create a platform for the arts & cultural industry,” he said.

He promised that they would represent Botswana well and generate positive Travel Destination Image to fly the flag.

The public can follow Battery Dance Festival and Mophato DANCE Theatre on face book for live streams and more information about the festival, he added. BOPA