INRTU's Modern Choreography School “Shagi” is a Laureate of the ZA GRAN'YU Festival in Minsk

The Shagi folklore group of INRTU successfully performed at the V Festival Contest "ZA GRAN'YU" ("Over the edge") in the Republic of Belarus. The INRTU Students became laureates in three nominations and winners of the "GRAN’. OBRAZ" special prize. INRTU Rector Mikhail Kornyakov congratulated the students and the modern choreography school’s head Inna Chernykh on receiving the awards.

"ZA GRAN’YU" is a bright creative event, which unites amateur and professional teams. Winners and laureates of dance projects organized in the Republic of Belarus and abroad take part in the festival contest. In 2024 the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions in Minsk welcomed 33 groups from a total of 14 cities. On February 16-18, the participants presented modern choreographies, performances, pop dances and children's shows to the jury. A special nomination was dedicated to disabled dancers.

For the first time the participants of the Shagi modern choreography school took part in the festival contest 'ZA GRAN’YU'. The dancers received the diploma of the I degree laureate (ensemble 16+) for the audience favorite "Kommuna"show and a new performance "Poskonnaya". According to Inna Chernykh, the performance received the highest rating from the experts.

"Guest choreographer Daniil Vereshchagin and our fashion designer Svetlana Bushmakina worked on "Poskonnaya". The well balanced mixture of costumes, dance and music helped to create the image of a Russian woman and Russia as a whole. The jury was impressed and we were awarded the special prize "GRAN'. OBRAZ". We are sure that "Poskonnaya" will be recognized by a wide audience," said Inna Chernykh.

"Shagi" became II degree laureates (small group 16+) for the "Eniki-Beniki" and "Aragats" shows. The II degree diploma (duet 16+) won the "Friend" performance.

Outside the performances, the dancers attended master classes, for example, on jazz dance. Minsk sightseeing tour and Belarusian culture immersion were also organized for the contestants. A historical guide introduced the guests to the city's landmarks.

The "Steps" modern choreography school is getting ready to perform at the university "Studvesna" ("student spring") event, to present a report concert to the public.

Photo by Inna Chernykh and Arseniy Chekmaryov