The Ukrainian community of New York has rallied in protest against three judges of the Empire Open Dance Festival, held in Jersey City, who maintain direct ties to the Russian regime. The demonstration against this anomaly was organized by Svitanok.nyc.
According to the organizers of the rally, the three judges involved are members of the Russian Dance Union in the occupied Ukrainian territories and receive benefits from Gazprom.
Russian dancers also took part in the competition itself.
“Despite the obvious evidence of their complicity, the organizers claim that ‘art is not related to war.’ Art is not outside of politics!” insisted Svitanok.nyc.
The organizers of the festival hit back on their social network pages that, “we refuse to capitulate to bullying and intimidation.” Consequently, against the arguments of Ukrainians, this festival went ahead with the full participation of Russians.
Earlier, The American Ballroom Dance Community and Dance Sport Community had published an open letter, signed by about 350 members of the community, calling for the suspension of the three judges from the festival.
“Ignorance to the truth is a crime. No dime is worth a human life. The suspension of any collaboration with Russia should continue until the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine,” Svitanok,nyc said.
