Amid intense war in Europe, Russia and Ukraine join hands for belly dance in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Russian and Ukrainian dancers set foot together for the belly dance as part of the Kerala Games, making history at the Nishagandhi Open Air Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. Albina, a Ukrainian, joined Russian dancers Anna, Belarus and Lena despite an intense war between the two countries.

Albina told Kerala Kaumudi that art brought them together. "We have been stepping on the stage with the same mind for twelve years. In the meantime, the problems between the countries have not affected us. No matter who fights with each other, the work of art will continue in unity. Artists have no politics, art is bigger than that", Albina said.

Albina is a sibling, says Belarus

Belarus, meanwhile, said Albina is like her sibling. "We do not want to talk about the attacks in Ukraine. We do not discuss issues between countries. Our dance is a message to both countries", she said. The group declined to comment further on political questions.

They teamed up through Blue Sea Entertainment in Delhi. They arrived in Thiruvananthapuram with group leader Ajayant. They are preparing to play belly dance in China, Egypt, Turkey and Dubai.