U.S. Artists Perform for Disadvantaged Children in Vietnam

American artists have been on stage in a series of programs that facilitate the cultural exchange between Vietnam and the U.S. as part of efforts for reconciliation, especially for disadvantaged children in the Southeast Asian country. Artists from prestigious Stephen Petronio Company recently visited Vietnam in the framework of the DanceMotion USA, a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, produced by Brooklyn Academy of Music, to do their missions of facilitating cultural exchange and showcasing the best in contemporary American dance. The company’s CEO Stephen Petronio is regarded as one of the leading dance-markers of his generation. His dances features new music, visual art, and fashion, producing powerfully modern landscapes for the senses. The company, which was founded in 1984 and has performed in 26 countries across the world, gave three shows in Hanoi, Haiphong, and Ha Long city as well as hosted two workshops for children with autism and hearing impairment earlier last week. During the 13-day stay in Vietnam, the dance has participated in training to disadvantaged children in an effort to bring arts to them and wake up their potentials, Mr. Petronio told the Vietnam News Agency. (Vietnam News Agency, Hanoioperahouse.org.vn)