Ambassador attends the 8th Busan International Dance Festival

Ambassador Patrick Rata making a speech at the Busan International Dance Festival.

Ambassador Patrick Rata was a guest speaker at the opening ceremony of the 8th Busan International Dance Festival held on 1 June. Other high-level speakers, with whom the Ambassador interacted, included the Mayor Of Busan, Mayor of Haeundae, and Organizing Chairperson of the Festival. Thousands of people attended the outdoor ceremony, held on Haeundae Beach, and the event had the overall theme of “Dance! Embrace the Ocean”. Eight contemporary dance groups from all over the world held the audience spellbound for more than three hours, including the great New Zealand company, Black Grace. In his remarks, Ambassador Rata congratulated the organizers on a magnificent occasion and highlighted Black Grace’s participation as a wonderful opportunity to emphasize the 2012 official Year of Friendship between New Zealand Korea.