Art under the toes - A documentary of the performance of the Russian Ballet at the National Theatre of Senegal

When it comes to Senegal, people immediately think of the Dakar Rally, which is known as the "toughest race in the world," and the world-class football star Sadio Mane, but few people think of Senegal's art and culture.

Back at 7pm on April 17, 2024, the National Theatre of Senegal was brightly lit and the entrance was packed with people from all walks of life. Artists and literary enthusiasts from all walks of life followed. The auditorium of the Grand Theatre was full of people, and people were looking forward to an artistic feast - the performance of the ballet "Anna Karenina" by the Beritiv Ballet of Russia. The Beritiv Ballet is one of the most innovative and experimental ballet companies in Russia and one of the most popular and acclaimed ballets in the world. The ballet "Anna Karenina" is the masterpiece of the company.

As the lights at the wavy top of the hall gradually dimmed, the par lights on both sides of the stage gradually lit up. At this time, the crimson curtain slowly opened, and the sound of the violin was melodious from the speakers around the hall. Suddenly, two beams of chasing light on the opposite side of the stage were projected to the center of the stage, and the audience was greeted by the Russian ballet dancers moving forward with pointy steps, their arms crossed in front of their chests, or rising and falling like "breathing". The graceful dance was like floating white clouds at the moment, and like rolling white waves, they danced gracefully in the ocean of music. Every jump and every turn of the fairies showed endless elegance and strength. The four dancers stepped on the melodious melody, accompanied by colorful lights and scenes, and performed the dance moves of "crane upright", "wings spread in the wind" and "360-degree rotation" in the ballet, gradually bringing the audience into the ocean of art.

Faced with the dancers' superb dance skills and passionate performances, the audience spent nearly two hours unknowingly. As the lights came on, the stage gradually closed, and there was warm applause from the audience. The audience was still deeply immersed in the high art, and was deeply shocked by the fact that there was such a modern theater in West Africa, which perfectly released the artistic charm of ballet through "sound, light and music".

In front of the stage, the Russian Beretiv Ballet brought "visible art", but behind the stage, a group of people brought "invisible art" to ensure the smooth performance. Behind the success of every performance is the hard work of Chinese technical experts.

The National Grand Theatre of Senegal is the first important project of China's assistance to Serbia after the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Serbia in 2005. It is the most important cultural activity center in Senegal, a landmark building in Senegal, and a symbol of friendship between China and Serbia. Every year, performance teams from Senegal and other countries hold more than 200 cultural and artistic activities here.

In order to ensure the effect of China's assistance and deepen the friendship between China and Serbia, the second phase of the technical team of the Museum of Black Civilization and the National Grand Theater of Senegal has been carrying out technical investigation and inspection of the Grand Theater and Museum every day since the project started in January 2023, and has worked meticulously day after day to eliminate the hidden problems in the bud. The technical team communicated with the Serbian staff in a timely manner and guided the Serbian staff to repair the facilities and equipment. Actively respond to the appeal of the manager of the technical department of the Serbian side and deal with the remaining equipment problems. Take the initiative to communicate with the manager of the Serbian side about work matters, and carry out technical attacks on the equipment and facilities in the venue. In a short period of time, it effectively solved the power, air conditioning, audio, water supply and drainage equipment failures of the In order to enable Serbian employees to truly master the technology, the technical team also conducts regular technical training. So far, 45 sessions have been carried out, training 21 Serbian technicians. The good performance of the technical team has been recognized by the competent department of Serbia, and the person in charge of the Grand Theater has sent letters to thank all the experts of the technical team on many occasions.

All members of the technical team will maintain a high degree of consciousness and sense of responsibility, give full play to the spirit of hard work, overcoming difficulties, and tenacious struggle, actively promote technical assistance to Serbia, provide strong technical support for the facilities and equipment of the two venues, and provide rich and detailed training for the staff of the Cypriot side to ensure that the results of the assistance are effective, and contribute to the traditional friendship and people-to-people exchanges between China and Serbia.