RCF Cultural Exchange Program "Golden Gates"
Reviews
Bulgaria
Words are not enough to express the excitement and admiration we feel about our journey to America, made possible thanks to the incredible support of the RCF organization. This was an adventure we will carry in our hearts forever – unforgettable, unique, and deeply inspiring.
The trip gave us the chance to immerse ourselves in American culture, to feel the spirit of everyday life there, and to experience a world so different from ours, yet so close in its sense of community and shared values. Each day brought a new lesson, a new discovery, and a new inspiration.
But the most precious part of all was the opportunity to represent Bulgaria. To tell our story through dance, music, costumes, and the sincere emotions we put into our art. We met Bulgarians who carry the homeland in their hearts, and Americans who, with curiosity and admiration, discovered our roots. It was amazing to see how people reacted – moved, smiling, impressed by our rhythms, colors, and traditions.
This trip was not just a tour – it was a mission. A mission to share Bulgarian culture with the other side of the world. And we believe we succeeded in doing so in the best possible way – with love, honor, and gratitude.
We thank RCF for the trust, for the support, and for giving us the opportunity to experience all of this. It was an adventure that changed us, enriched us, and left a lasting mark on our path as artists and as Bulgarians.
On the other hand, we truly felt like cultural ambassadors of Bulgaria. We had the opportunity to share with children, young people, students, and people of all ages and backgrounds the richness of our country – its history, traditions, rituals, music, and dance. To present our heritage to people who had never encountered Bulgarian culture before was a great honor and responsibility. And the excitement, gratitude, and sincere admiration we received in return were deeply touching and unforgettable.
Another invaluable part of this cultural adventure was the connection with the host families who became our lifelong friends. Living with them, sharing their daily routines, talking around the dinner table, exchanging stories, traditions, and laughter – we experienced the fullest form of cultural exchange. They welcomed us not only into their homes, but into their hearts. These warm moments left a bright and lasting imprint on all of us.
Now, looking back at this journey, we realize how much it has enriched us – as artists, as creators, and as Bulgarians. And we hope that one day we will return to America again, to continue sharing the magic of Bulgarian folklore and to build new bridges between cultures.
We thank RCF and the remarkable Vitaliy Bezrodnov for the incredible opportunity to be part of this unique experience and cultural exchange! We look forward to seeing you again very soon!
Iva Tarneva “Sredetz” Sofia, Bulgaria 2025
Думите са малко, за да изкажа вълнението и възхищението от нашето пътуване в Америка, осъществено благодарение на невероятната подкрепа на RCF организацията. Това беше приключение, което ще носим в сърцата си завинаги – незабравимо, уникално и дълбоко вдъхновяващо. Пътуването ни даде шанс да се потопим в американската култура, да почувстваме духа на местния начин на живот и да се докоснем до един свят, толкова различен от нашия, но същевременно близък в усещането за общност и споделени ценности. Всеки ден беше нов урок, ново откритие и ново вдъхновение. Но най-ценното от всичко беше възможността да представим България. Да разкажем нашата история чрез танц, музика, костюми и искрените емоции, които влагаме в изкуството си. Срещнахме българи, които носят родината в сърцата си, и американци, които с любопитство и възхищение се докоснаха до нашите корени. Удивително беше да видим как хората реагираха – развълнувани, усмихнати, впечатлени от ритъма, цветовете и традициите ни. Това пътуване не беше просто гастрол – беше мисия. Мисия да споделим българската култура с другия край на света. И вярваме, че успяхме да го направим по най-добрия начин – с любов, чест и благодарност. Благодарим на RCF за доверието, за подкрепата и за възможността да изживеем всичко това. Това беше приключение, което ни промени, обогати и остави ярка следа в нашия път като творци и като българи. От друга страна, ние истински се почувствахме като културни посланици на България. Имахме възможността да споделим с деца, младежи, студенти и хора от всякакви възрасти и среди богатството на нашата страна – нейната история, традиции, ритуали, музика и танц. Да представим нашето наследство пред хора, които никога не са се докосвали до българската култура, беше огромна чест и отговорност. А вълнението, благодарността и искреното възхищение, което получавахме в замяна, бяха дълбоко трогателни и незабравими. Още един безценен елемент от това културно приключение бяха контактите със семействата домакини, които се превърнаха в наши приятели за цял живот. Живеейки с тях, споделяйки ежедневието им, разговаряйки на маса, разменяйки истории, традиции и смях – ние преживяхме най-пълната форма на културен обмен. Те ни приеха не просто в домовете си, а в сърцата си. Тези топли моменти оставиха траен, светъл отпечатък у всички нас. Сега, когато гледаме назад към това пътуване, осъзнаваме колко силно ни е обогатило – като артисти, като творци, като българи. И се надяваме един ден да се върнем в Америка отново, за да продължим да споделяме магията на българския фолклор и да изграждаме нови мостове между културите. Благодарим на RCF и уникалния Витали Безроднов за невероятната възможност за това уникално преживяване и този културен обмен! Очакваме и се надяваме съвсем скоро да се видим отново!
Ива Търнева – главен худ. ръководител на ДЮТА и Танцов ансамбъл “Средец”
Lithuania
Participating in the RCF Cultural Exchange Golden Gates project was an incredibly valuable and unforgettable experience. Our time in America allowed us not only to improve our communication skills and broaden our knowledge of the country’s history and people but also to proudly showcase our Lithuanian national identity through traditional dance. I believe that every American who attended our presentations organized by RCF was impressed by the vibrant energy of the Lithuanian dancers, as well as the interactive presentations that involved the audience.
It wasn’t just us performing—many members of the audience joined in the dancing too! We also had the opportunity to introduce aspects of Lithuanian culture, including our history, national costumes, education system, cuisine, and language. One of the highlights was meeting Senator Durbin, who has Lithuanian roots.
These programs, organized by RCF, greatly enriched our knowledge and provided us with invaluable experiences and memories.
Ilona Baltikauskaite, “Suvartukas”, Plunge, Lithuania
2019, 2023, 2025
Dalyvavimas projekte RCF Cultural Exchange Golden Gates buvo itin vertinga ir įsimintina patirtis. Turėjome galimybę Amerikoje ne tik tobulinti savo komunikacijos bei kitus įgūdžius, pasisemti žinių apie šalies istoriją, žmones, bet ir tautiniu šokiu perteikti savo lietuvišką tautinę tapatybę. Manau, jog kiekvienas amerikietis projekto rengiamame koncerte buvo sužavėtas lietuviška šokėjų energija bei įdomiais publiką įtraukiančiais pristatymais. Šokome ne tik mes, bet ir pasirodymą stebintys žiūrovai.
Pristatėme Amerikos žmonėms Lietuvos istoriją, tautinį kostiumą, švietimo sistemą, pristatėme lietuvišką virtuvę ir kalbą. Mums teko garbė susitikti su lietuvių kilmės senatoriumi Durbinu. Šis RCF rengiamas projektas praturtino mūsų žinias bei patirtį, suteikė neįkainojamų prisiminimų.
Ilona Baltikauskaitė, “Suvartukas”, Plungė, Lietuva
2019, 2023, 2025
Ukraine
It was hard to believe that our first trip to the USA was real! Our second trip, however, became an incredibly luxurious gift for the 70th anniversary of our ensemble. The impressions we gained, along with the feelings and emotions we experienced, are beyond words!
We gained invaluable artistic experience presenting Ukrainian culture and dance to a diverse live American audience, and we had the opportunity for meaningful cultural exchange and live communication.
In the rich history of our ensemble, we have traveled extensively, participating in numerous festivals and concerts, but taking part in such a unique Cultural Exchange Program marked a new and, perhaps, the brightest chapter in our story.
Over the course of two trips, we visited 25 states, seeing many of the USA’s most important landmarks—unique museums, national parks, and architectural wonders—many of which even most ordinary Americans never get to experience in their entire lives!
On the other hand, we truly felt like Cultural Ambassadors of Ukraine, sharing our country’s history and demonstrating its rich cultural heritage to schoolchildren, university students, and everyday Americans of all ages and backgrounds. The overwhelming enthusiasm and gratitude we received in return was incredibly moving.
Another invaluable aspect of the Cultural Exchange was our interaction with host families, which led to lasting friendships. What could be a more complete form of mutual cultural enrichment than living with American families, engaging in authentic, heartfelt exchanges, and being welcomed into their homes and hearts? These experiences left an indelible, warm mark on all of us.
Now, living in a country at war and watching the daily realities of conflict, we strive to preserve our dance art in spite of everything. We hold onto the hope that, one day, we will return to the USA and once again participate in the Golden Gates Program that we hold so dear.
Tetiana Vasylieva, “Radist”, Dnipro, Ukraine
2018, 2019
В реальність нашої першої подорожі до США було дуже важко повірити! Друга ж наша подорож стала найшикарнішим подарунком до 70-річчя нашого ансамблю. Отримані нами враження та відчуті почуття та емоції неможливо описати словами! Ми здобули безцінний артистичний досвід, представляючи українську культуру та танцювальне мистецтво найрізноманітнішої живої американської аудиторії, здобувши безцінний досвід живого спілкування та справжнього Культурного Обміну!
У багатій історії нашого колективу було дуже багато поїздок, фестивалів та концертів, але участь у такій унікальній Програмі Культурного Обміну стала новою та, мабуть, найяскравішою її сторінкою. За дві поїздки ми відвідали 25 штатів та масу найголовніших пам’яток США, унікальні музей, національні парки та архітектурні споруди у такій кількості, яку більшість простих американців не бачать за все життя!
З іншого боку, ми відчули себе справжніми Культурними Послами України, розповідаючи про Україну та демонструючи її культуру школярам, студентам університетів та простим американцям різного віку та національностей. У відповідь ми отримали величезну кількість захоплених відгуків, сповнених задоволення та вдячності.
Окрема безцінна сторона Культурного Обміну – це спілкування з приймаючими сім’ями і надбання нових друзів на все життя. Що може подарувати більш повне відчуття взаємного культурного збагачення та занурення у реальне американське життя, ніж життя у звичайних американських сім’ях, живе спілкування з людьми, які приймають нас у свої будинки та відкривають для нас свої серця! Все це залишило незабутній теплий слід на все життя в серцях усіх учасників цих незабутніх поїздок!
Зараз, живучи у країні, що воює, кожен день на власні очі спостерігаючи війну, ми намагаємося незважаючи ні на що зберігати наше танцювальне мистецтво і дуже сподіваємося колись обов’язково знову приїхати до США і знову взяти участь у нашій улюбленій Програмі Golden Gates!
Тетяна Васильєва, головний балетмейстер Народного ансамблю танцю “Радість”, Дніпро, Україна
2018, 2019
Armenia
I am Tigran Mnoyan, the founder and artistic director of the “Prof Art” Dance Ensemble, based in Yerevan, Armenia. Founded in 2014, our ensemble has dedicated itself to presenting and promoting Armenian dance and cultural heritage both across Armenia and internationally. Over the years, we have had the honor of sharing our traditions with diverse audiences around the world.
In 2022, 2023 and 2024, we had the privilege of participating in cultural exchange programs organized by RCF, directed by Vitaly Bezrodnov, which allowed us to travel to over 25 states across the United States. At the invitation of Mr. Bezrodnov, our ensemble presented Armenian culture to a wide range of audiences, including students, pupils, and community members. These experiences were not only enriching for us as cultural ambassadors but also gave us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich and diverse American culture by visiting museums, landmarks, and historical sites.
The days we spent in the United States will forever be cherished as some of the most memorable and impactful moments in the history of our ensemble. We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary opportunity, which has strengthened our commitment to furthering cultural exchange and collaboration between Armenia and the world.
We are also sincerely thankful to Mr. Alexan Zakyan, President of the National Delphian Committee of Armenia, and Mr. Vitaly Bezrodnov, Founder of RCF, for their long-term collaboration and unwavering support, which made this journey possible. Their efforts in facilitating these cultural exchanges have had a profound and lasting impact on us, and we eagerly look forward to future collaborations, including another visit to the United States.
We highly recommend both the National Delphian Committee of Armenia and RCF for their dedication to promoting cultural dialogue and enhancing international understanding through the arts. Their commitment to fostering meaningful connections between nations is truly commendable, and we are grateful to be a part of this ongoing journey.
With deepest gratitude and anticipation for future endeavors,
Tigran Mnoyan
“Prof Art Dance”, Yerevan, Armenia
2022, 2023, 2024
Ես Տիգրան Մնոյանն եմ Հայաստանից:
Հանդիսանում եմ մայրաքաղաք Երեւանում գործող <<Պրոֆ արտ>> պարային համույթի հիմնադիրն ու գեղարվեստական ղեկավարը: Պրոֆ արտը հիմնադրվել է 2014թվականին, եւ ավելի քան 10տարի հայկական պարարվեստը ներկայացնում է ոչ միայն Հայաստանի տարբեր քաղաքներում, այլ նաեւ աշխարհի տարբեր երկրներում:2022, 2023 եւ 2024 թվականներին RCF-ի տնօրեն
Վիտալի Բեզրոդնովի հրավերով մասնակցել ենք մշակույթի փոխանակման ծրագրերի ԱՄՆ-ավելի քան 25 նահանգներում, ներկայացնելով հայկական մշակույթը ամերիկյան հանդիսատեսին` ուսանողների,աշակերտների եւ տարբեր մարդկանց:Ինչպես նաեւ ծանոթացել ենք ամերիկյան հարուստ մշակույթին` այցելելով տեսարժան վայրեր, թանգարաններ եւ այլն:
ԱՄՆ-Ուում անցկացրած օրերը միշտ կմնան եւ անհատապես մեր հիշողություններում եւ մեր պարային կոլեկտիվի կենսագրությունում, որպես լավագույն օրեր:Մենք կարոտով ու նոր սպասումներով ենք լցված դեպի նոր ուղեւորության դեպի Ամերիկա:Ինչպես նաեւ շնորհակալ ենք Հայաստանի ազգային դելփյան կոմիտեի նախագահ Ալեքսան Զաքյանին եւ RCF-ի նախագահ Վիտալի Բեզրոդնովին իրենց երկարամյա համագործակցության արդյունքում այս հնարավորությունը ինձ եւ իմ կոլեկտիվին ընձեռելու համար:
Տիգրան Մնոյան, «Prof Art Dance», Երևան, Հայաստան
2022, 2023, 2024
