Rusichi’s Journey to the National Multicultural Festival in Canberra

Our recent trip to Canberra for the National Multicultural Festival was a whirlwind of joy and unity. Sharing our cultural heritage through dance, alongside the harmonious melodies of the talented Trali-Vali band, filled us with excitement as we journeyed to the heart of Australia’s capital.

After an eight-hour bus ride full of laughter and sing-alongs and fuelled by a mix of snacks ranging from Russian pickles to McDonald’s treats at servo stops along the way, we finally made it to Canberra.

From the moment we arrived, the vibrant atmosphere of the festival enveloped us. This was not our first time here, so it was great to be back and see both new and familiar faces. The festival, as always, was a great opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of cultures that call Australia home. We enjoyed food from a variety of different cuisines, surrounded by music and dancing from a range of other cultures. The diversity of this festival was truly amazing.

Despite facing a rollercoaster of very Melbourne-like weather – from thunderstorms and pouring rain to scorching sun within minutes – we persevered and delivered our signature dances with energy and enthusiasm. At the sound of “Kalinka” even the most rain-fearing members of the audience dropped their umbrellas and started to dance!

Our performances were met with applause and cheering from an unexpectedly large crowd despite the weather conditions, which was extremely heartwarming. We received an overwhelming amount of support from both Russians travelling from Sydney and Canberra, as well representatives of other cultures.

The Russian Ambassador was amongst the audience as well, which highlighted the significance of our cultural exchange. His words of encouragement served as a reminder of the power of dance to bridge divides and foster understanding between nations.

Continuing the celebrations later that night at our accommodation with yet again more singing, dancing, and pickles, with fellow Russians from different parts of Australia, was another reminder of unity which goes beyond geographical barriers. In the end, our trip to the National Multicultural Festival was more than just a
performance—it was a celebration of diversity and the beauty of cultural exchange, and a reminder that, through dance, we can transcend boundaries and forge meaningful connections.

Rusichi is extremely grateful to the community for all the support we have received in every way, shape, and form – we could not have brought a piece of Russian culture from Melbourne to Canberra without you!