The U.S. Department of State announced that Haitian performers Compagnie de Danse Jean-René Delsoin will travel to communities across the United States as part of a cultural diplomacy initiative, Center Stage, from October 16 to November 10, 2012. The U.S. State Department’s Office of the Spokesperson reports:

Building on Secretary Clinton’s emphasis on utilizing “smart power,” Center StageSM brings performing artists from Haiti, Indonesia, and Pakistan to the United States to interact with American audiences in 60 medium and small-sized towns and cities, using the performing arts to create opportunities for greater understanding.

Compagnie de Danse Jean-René Delsoin will kick off their tour on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. The performance is free and open to the public. It will also be broadcasted live here.

This tour will take Compagnie de Danse Jean-René Delsoin to Washington DC; Miami, FL; Hartsville, SC; Wilmington, NC; Lincoln, NE; and Overland Park, KS.

For video and more information, see http://www.defend.ht/entertainment/articles/performing/3454-state-dept-brings-haitian-cultural-dance-group-on-us-tour