Spreading a Little Happiness

The concert kicked off with a short video presentation about Christmas traditions in different cultures around the world. In Russia, Christmas is not a cultural event, but part of the Christian cycle of observances. Most celebrate New Year with the same types of traditions as practised at Christmas in Christian nations. The video was presented by Marina Dolzhikova and Elton Camargo. Then, after an opening dance performance by Roman Shchurov's 'Inspiration' dance troupe, Dr Svetlana Ostrikova, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs and Youth Policy at BSU, gave a brief address in which she explained the purpose of the concert and the meaning of the holiday, and went on to wish everyone success and happiness in the New Year. A rich and varied program followed, with traditional dances and music from India, Central Asia, Latin America and Africa. Songs were sung in French, Russian, Indonesian, Armenian and English. The concert also featured live music, and excerpts from plays. The show even inspired Valery Timofeev, BSU's Head of the Union, to get up on stage and perform on the guitar!

Some of the students will perform for the patients in the Oncology Department of the Regional Children's Hospital, and the Belgorod Regional Association for Disabled Children, known as 'Warm Souls'. The concert was attended by special guests brought by the Holy Belogoria Childhood Cancer Trust, which is an Orthodox Church charity aimed at benefiting young cancer victims and their families. Money and toys collected at the concert were given to our special guests as a token of our good wishes.