Moving Cultures: Contemporary Dance Initiatives by Cultural Institutes and Successful Cultural Diplomacy

In contemporary society, cultural diplomacy is necessary to mitigate cultural and socio-economic differences. Cultural diplomacy reemerged in the last years but is still a marginalized instrument in foreign affairs. In order to prove the importance of contemporary dance as a unique tool to promote cultural understanding between countries, this study will look at contemporary dance initiatives by the Camões I.P, the Portuguese Cultural Institute, the British Council and the Dance Motion USA, a specific dance project funded by the U.S. State Department. The design of the programs is analyzed in detail along with intercultural relation theories to suggest that there is, in fact, a connection between both. As a result of its physicality and freedom of expression, contemporary dance contributes to the establishment of stronger and more meaningful intercultural relations between people of different cultural backgrounds.