EARTHDANCE NICOSIA 2010
A Defining Moment for Peace in One of Europe's Last Divided Cities
On September 18 at the Selimiye Square in Nicosia, Cyprus, 19 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot dance and music performances were showcased in celebration and support of Peace. Throughout the 9 hours of non-stop dance and music, over 280 dancers and musicians took the stage to "give a dance for peace". Around 3500 people attend the evening event, a substantial number for the population of Nicosia.
"It is significantly important for Greek and Turkish Cypriots to unite in such an event in Nicosia to 'give peace a dance' and pray for peace."
~ Earthdance Nicosia Producer, Ali Nebih
Peace in Nicosia, Please!
Nicosia is one of Europe's last divided cities, and the focus of an unresolved feud between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The dispute goes back to 1974, when the island was divided and Turkish troops invaded, following a collapse of the Cypriot government. In the recent years, the conflict over land and dwindling resources has remained unsettled. In light of the Cyprus Conflict, the Earthdance Festival is a defining moment for peace in this long conflicted city.
Local Charity Impact
This year, Soma Akriton and HASDER organized Earthdance Nicosia under the auspices of Cyprus Network for Youth Development, funded by UNDP-ACT. HASDER Folk Arts Foundation, established in 1977, a foundation established by members of the Folk Artists Association. The foundation provides folk dances, crafts, education, children, youth, culture, and environment studies and publications. http://www.hasder.org/
Check out Earthdance Nicosia 2010:
VIDS
- Beautiful mini-doc with Prayer from first event last year
