The Russian dance group UDI inspires with their dance shows with many acrobatic, capoeira and breakdance elements, not only since their fame through Britain's and America's got Talent. With the largest dance school in Siberia, UDI supports many children to have faith in themselves and with it the prospect of a better life. Social engagement for disadvantaged children is a matter of course for all members of UDI.
The dream of a dance school
Denis, Yura and Igor met for the first time over 20 years ago in a school for children from socially disadvantaged families. They quickly realized that they were not only connected by their family history, but above all by their love of dancing and their dream of becoming famous actors. Everyone had his own role model: for Yura it was a rapper, for Denis it was Jean-Claude Van Damme and for Igor Michael Jackson. The latter was also the one who later inspired them for their unique show.
After a school performance in 1999, the three of them had the idea to found a dance group and with it the desire to open their own dance school grew. As they had grown up partly without a father and without parents, it was not easy for them to make this dream come true. But they made it happen: today they run the biggest dance school in all of Siberia, which enables over 1200 children to train. Social commitment is very important to them.
How does UDI use its social commitment?
They are not only known for their participation in Britain's and America's got Talent. An indescribable social commitment also distinguishes the dancers. With the aim of the dance school they wanted to support especially children from socially disadvantaged families and children with a physical handicap. They want to serve as role models for the children, give them faith in themselves, support them in setting and achieving their goals. For UBI, social commitment means social responsibility. They do not make any difference: Anyone who wants to learn dance and acrobatics can do so at school. Those who come from low-income families can train for free.
But that is not the only thing they see as their social responsibility. They perform regularly in their hometown Tomsk and give classes in orphanages in the country. They organize charity events where they collect money for the families of the children of the organization to help them out of a financial emergency. Their motivation to fulfil their social commitment is very much based on their own life story. Because they do not forget where they came from.
UDI's philosophy continues in its performances
Her social commitment is also reflected in her shows. The aim of her performances is to create a story that triggers emotions in the audience and encourages them to be kind and human. This can also be seen in her new performance "The Show of Light and Darkness" can be seen. She tells a story of a man who is an outsider in society and feels he belongs nowhere. Without self-confidence and self-love, he has nowhere to go. On his journey, however, he meets a person who helps him overcome this darkness and find faith in himself and humanity again. They show their philosophy of making the world a little bit better both on stage and in their everyday lives.
