A spectacular show “Only in Russia. The World in Motion” was held at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall of the Ekaterinburg-EXPO Exhibition Center, becoming the central event of the Children’s Program of the Movement of the First as part of the International Festival of Youth (IFY – 2026). The Program brought together 1,000 teenagers aged 14 to 17 from more than 100 countries. The concert featured star performers, renowned artists, and more than a dozen creative groups from different parts of Russia.
“We wanted to give the young participants a truly memorable celebration by staging a colorful show at the Festival venue that became the culmination of our Children’s Program. The epic heroes embodied on stage reminded the young audience through the language of art that eternal values such as love, friendship, and loyalty know no geographical or national borders. They are proof of unity and strength. The metaphorical imagery was brought to life by professional artists, allowing the audience to enjoy the festive atmosphere and find inspiration to look for their place in different fields. This message is the heart of the Festival’s key concept ‘Follow Your Dream’. I am confident that all the participants were able to have some rest after an intense educational program and have a great time,” said Artur Orlov, Hero of Russia, graduate of the “Time of Heroes” presidential personnel program and Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First.
The performance was staged as a modern bylina, an epic tale about Russia and its people. The show tells a story of a country where children do not simply dream but have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, discover their talents, make friends, explore different fields, pursue art, science, history, and career, and become part of a shared future.
“We are very grateful to the organizers for the opportunity to take part in such a large-scale and spectacular event. We experienced it from behind the scenes, and that is completely different from seeing it as a guest because, honestly, it was hard work. We prepared two programs at once – one for the opening and one for today. It was a long process. The rehearsals lasted up to 10 hours. Today we had to come here to rehearse at 5 AM. But it was worth it because my dream is getting closer. I dream of dancing in theater. I truly believe that I can make my dream come true. It is possible, especially in Russia!” said Anna Feklistova, a member of the dance section of the show and the Napravlenie Dance Ensemble from Ekaterinburg.
The show is titled “Only in Russia”, and it is not an antithesis but a statement. Russia offers a unique mix of scale, culture, human depth, and opportunities for children. The Movement of the First provides an environment where children learn to be brave, honest, and open to the world, to respect others, and to find their own path.
“I came to the Festival almost by accident. A friend of mine mentioned it, just a few words, so I opened Yandex, started looking for information and thought, why not? I applied, and here I am. The atmosphere here is just wonderful; such a welcoming country and such hospitable people — not only those who live here, but everyone who came here as a guest. They are the ones who create this wonderful atmosphere. What I liked most at the concert was the final song, ‘Where Does the Motherland Begin?’ It was the song I knew best, and it really touched me. I think every child can achieve their dream, and it is easier in Russia, but everything depends on the person themselves,” Festival participant from Abkhazia Daniil Malakyan shared.
The Movement of the First and the International Festival of Youth provide children and youth with numerous opportunities to learn about the scientists’ and leading experts’ achievements. The event also includes project-based activities that can help children and young people realize their potential in creative and sports fields.
“I am a member of the Movement of the First and the chairperson of my school, and I was really lucky to make it to the IFY. I got the whole school involved. Everyone helped me record my video introduction and submit my application. Being at this Festival is amazing! At this concert, I liked Nansi’s performance most. She has a beautiful voice. She is charismatic, very kind, and her songs are very heartfelt. Yes, I believe that any child in Russia can achieve their dream. At the very least, there is the Movement of the First, which helps children succeed and achieve their goals. Personally, I have a dream of becoming a journalist. I work toward it meticulously and do everything I can to achieve it,” Festival participant from Makhachkala Sofia Polulyakh emphasized.
The performance “Only in Russia. The World in Motion” was built around the story of young people from different parts of the world meeting one another and discovering how a life-long friendship begins. It also showed how Russia’s achievements, culture, and heritage live in its children, art, traditions, dreams, professions, and values. In the finale, the protagonists come to understand that Russia is a country where people can be themselves and where dreams can become reality, while differences in language and worldviews do not stand in the way of friendship. The story of one friendship grows into the story of a large international community of children united by the values of unity, justice, hope, faith, and friendship.
“What I liked most about the show was the atmosphere, the people, and the singers. They were so nice. I had a great time. It was a very diverse show. There was a moment when everyone stood up, and we hugged and swayed from side to side. That was a big surprise for me. These people helped me see Russia in a new way. They changed my perception of it. What impressed me most about Russia was the character of its people. They are very kind, supportive, and warm-hearted. The most touching moments here were when other participants started learning my language. I will learn their language too, and I also want to know more about the history of Russia,” Festival participant from Saudi Arabia Zainuddin Mohammad shared.
Theater and film actor Sergey Alyoshin as the Storyteller and showman and host Yury Blinov as the Rhymer took part in the production, as well as vocalists from the Ural Variety Theater and several choreographic groups – the Napravlenie Dance Ensemble, the Ekipazh Exemplary Dance Ensemble, the Detstvo Dance Ensemble, and the Ural Choreographic College. The musical program was complemented by a pianist portraying Pyotr Tchaikovsky and the Neizvestnye figure skating duo. The Movement of the First Choir, the Nuclear Kids children’s group, and the creative ensemble Angels of Hope also performed in the show. The evening culminated in a performance by the headline act, the band Nansi & Sidorov.
Overview:
The International Festival of Youth, held as part of the Youth and Children national project, is taking place in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, 2026. The decree establishing the event was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 29, 2025. The Festival is being held under the motto “Follow Your Dream”.
Participants of the IFY – 2026 include 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries, including 5,000 Russians and 5,000 international citizens. Among them are leading representatives of creative industries and the arts, public administration, science and education, sport, entrepreneurship, media, digitalization and IT, and civic engagement – people who are already shaping the future of their countries and the world. Continuing the successful practice established at the World Youth Festival 2024, those invited include 1,000 teenagers aged 14 to 17 – 500 from Russia and 500 from abroad. The Children's Program is organized by the Movement of the First.
The World Youth Festival took place from March 1 to 7, 2024, in Sirius, in accordance with a decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at developing international youth cooperation. The WYF-2024 brought together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.
In line with instructions from Russia’s President on preserving and building on the legacy of the World Youth Festival, festival events are now held annually across Russia. The World Youth Festival Directorate continues its work to strengthen international youth cooperation and build a community of young people who care about the future of the world.