Rwanda

"It was one of the most powerful, emotional experiences I have had thus far in my life." -- Rebecca Davis

Nyamata, Rwanda

Although Rebecca may still consider Russia the pinnacle of classical ballet and home to the heralded Vaganova Ballet School, traveling to Rwanda taught her something equally important about dance: it has the power to rejuvenate spirits in a post-conflict country.

Davis recently returned from a one month journey to Rwanda that brought her face to face with the devastating effects of the 1994 genocide in which the Central African nation lost at least 10% of its population in three months. Fourteen years later, 42% of the population is under the age of 14 years, and 0.5% of the population holds university degrees. Within these difficult conditions, Davis witnessed people's monumental efforts to rebuild their nation and wrestle with the question of reconciliation.

Davis wrote about her experiences living and working in a post-genocide country. Her article The Dancing Orphans of Rwanda recently appeared in the Broad Street Review. Read the article here.

Rebecca will be working with ten teenage students in Philadelphia to create a community project entitled 1994 in Philadelphia. This creative movement work is inspired by stories of genocide survivors. It is generously supported by Leeway Foundation Art and Change Grant.

Kigali, Rwanda

A Group of Children Playing with a single doll

Choreographer Emmanuel Munyarukumbuzi
and Rebecca doing "ballet barre"

Choreographer Theogene Niwenshuti with Rebecca
and dancer Marie Berry

The Amazing Hip Hop Street Kids in Rwanda

Teaching in Kigali

My Students After Our Performance

Russia