{"id":25564,"date":"2026-10-27T07:51:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T07:51:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/landsaid.org\/music-dance-and-encounters\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T08:10:50","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T08:10:50","slug":"music-dance-and-encounters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/landsaid.org\/en\/music-dance-and-encounters\/","title":{"rendered":"Music, Dance, and Encounters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Music, Dance, and Encounters <\/strong><\/h1><\/div>

At the German-Ukrainian Cultural Festival, LandsAid provided information about its aid projects in Ukraine and sent a message of solidarity ahead of the fifth winter of war<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>
I want to help<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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German-Ukrainian Cultural Festival in Landsberg<\/h3><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>A full house, music, and dancing<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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October 2026.<\/strong> A packed hall, music, dancing, and personal encounters: Last Friday, the German-Ukrainian Cultural Festival organized by the Ukraine Forum Landsberg<\/a> brought people from Germany and Ukraine together. LandsAid had the opportunity to participate with an information booth and share details about its aid projects in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Connecting People<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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\u201cCulture can bring people together\u201d\u2014this idea was at the heart of the German-Ukrainian Cultural Festival held on Friday in Landsberg am Lech. The middle school auditorium was filled almost to capacity. The programme was presented entirely in both German and Ukrainian, bringing the diversity of Ukrainian culture to life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Facilitating Encounters<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Following opening remarks by Stephan Krebs, founder of the Ukraine Forum Landsberg, State Parliament Representative Alex Dorow moderated the evening\u2019s event. In his welcoming remarks, Landsberg\u2019s Deputy Mayor Moritz Hartmann recalled how many people have found refuge in Landsberg since the start of Russia\u2019s war of aggression in Ukraine. The Ukraine Forum Landsberg was created from the spirit of solidarity in the district and has been facilitating encounters and providing support since 2022.<\/p>\n

Stephan Krebs emphasized: \u201cSince the war began, we have been committed to supporting people from Ukraine and fostering encounters between our cultures. The cultural festival demonstrates how important solidarity, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange are. We want to highlight Ukrainian culture and give a voice to the people who have found refuge here.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Exchange and Understanding<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The Ukrainian Consul General in Munich also spoke about the situation in Ukraine and the importance of German-Ukrainian cooperation. He expressed his appreciation for the support shown to those who have found refuge in Germany and emphasized how important cultural exchange is for mutual understanding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Culture, Identity, and Values <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The mayor of the Ukrainian city of Slavutych, located near the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant, addressed the guests via video message. He emphasized that the cultural festival demonstrates what the people of Ukraine are fighting for: their culture, their identity, and their values.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Experience Ukrainian Culture<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The stage programme featured numerous artistic highlights. Whether it was the choir, the violin ensemble, soloists, duets, a fashion show, or dance \u2014 the performers captivated the audience with their diverse performances and were rewarded with enthusiastic applause. The children\u2019s performances, in particular, were met with great enthusiasm. They took the stage with great expression and joy, demonstrating just how vibrant Ukrainian culture is.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Dance and Traditional Costumes<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The dance group Iz Pertsem also impressed the audience. Founded in 2011, the ensemble is dedicated to traditional Ukrainian dances and promotes the country\u2019s culture through dance, song, music, and traditional costumes. Its members include both young people and adults, among them dancers who were forced to flee their homeland due to the war and have found refuge in Munich.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Painting and Design<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The foyer also featured works of art by Ukrainian female artists. The exhibition \u201cPeople, Memory, Ukraine\u201d by Natalija Strju\u010dek, who fled to Germany in 2022, offered insights into her personal artistic exploration of Ukraine. A fashion show by designer Tetiana Martin showcased contemporary creations that reinterpret traditional Ukrainian clothing and give new life to used materials.<\/p>\n

The diverse contributions highlighted the significance of cultural traditions for the Ukrainian community. They preserve memories and identity while also forging connections between people of different backgrounds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Freedom and Democracy<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Christian Bieber of the Freedom and Democracy<\/a> Association also addressed the guests with powerful words. The association has been organizing regular aid shipments to Ukraine since 2022. In his speech, Bieber made it clear that this is about more than just logistics and transportation: Freedom and democracy are not empty words, but the foundation of our prosperity. He called on everyone to spread these values throughout the world and not to become indifferent. A life of freedom is not a gift that can be taken for granted forever.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>We must not forget to help others<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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While the cultural festival provided a space for joy, exchange, and community, the situation in Ukraine remained ever-present. The war continues, attacks on the energy infrastructure are exacerbating the situation, and with Winter approaching, many people\u2019s concerns are growing.<\/p>\n

Together with local partner organizations, LandsAid supports older adults and people with limited mobility through evacuations, temporary housing, home care, medical care, and food aid. Children with cancer and those injured in the war also receive support. In addition to improving their care, this support includes psychosocial services and group activities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Raise Awareness of the Crisis<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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We are grateful that we were able to be part of this special cultural festival and showcase our work for the people of Ukraine. Our information booth and our interactions with visitors gave us the opportunity to draw attention to the ongoing crisis. Even after years of war, support for the people on the ground remains urgently needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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