U.S. Department of State Launches ExchangesConnect "Dance With Us" Photo Contest to Capture Motion Across Cultures

Media Note

U.S. Department of State Launches ExchangesConnect "Dance With Us" Photo Contest to Capture Motion Across Cultures

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) launched the "Dance With Us: Motion Across Cultures" Photo Contest on its ExchangesConnect online community today.

From spontaneous dance with family members to formal performances, ECA asks that participants capture the way people express themselves through movement around the world.  The photo contest celebrates the ECA's upcoming DanceMotion USA program, developed by the Department of State to acknowledge the significant role that dance plays in overcoming cultural differences.  This Fall and next Spring four American dance companies will visit 14 countries and territories, conducting substantive exchanges through dance and learning about the traditions of other cultures.

The contest runs from September 13 until October 25, 2011 and is open to the global public, ages 14 and up.  Two grand prize winners will receive tablet computers as well as global recognition when their work is featured on ECA websites and displayed at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. Runners up will receive ExchangesConnect T-shirts and postcards featuring the top 20 submissions.

ExchangesConnect is a unique online community that hosts people-to-people dialogue among over 32,000 members about Department of State exchange programs and supports ECA's mission to promote international mutual understanding through a wide range of academic, cultural, professional, and sports exchange programs.

Please visit ExchangesConnect today for official contest rules and guidelines.