KITTERY, Maine -- A public diplomacy and culture initiative by the federal government will bring an Egyptian performer to the Dance Hall in October.

Youssra El Hawary will come to Kittery as part of the Center Stage 4 cultural diplomacy exchange, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, with support from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, and the Trust for Mutual Understanding.

For its fourth edition, Center Stage will bring five contemporary music and theater ensembles from Egypt and Ukraine to tour in the United States in September through November. During independent tours Dina Elwedidi (Egypt), Kurbasy (Ukraine), Mohamed Abozekry and Karkadé (Egypt), Teatr-Pralnia with CCA Dakh (Ukraine), and Youssra El Hawary (Egypt) will present more than 50 performances and hundreds of residency activities, classroom visits, workshops, artist-to-artist exchange and community gatherings.

Catalyzed by intense upheavals, Egyptian and Ukrainian performing artists are animating their nations’ public spheres. Now, some of the strongest performers and creative innovators from these countries are coming to the U.S., to share their perspectives and broaden ours.

“Ensembles travel to the U.S. from around the world and enhance the cultural vibrancy of our nation, while promoting economic opportunities in American communities,” said Cathy Edwards, executive director of the New England Foundation for the Arts. “Arts delegations cultivate the mutual respect and appreciation that is the essence of cultural diplomacy.”

Center Stage was launched by the Department of State to bring international performing artists from select countries to the U.S. for professional growth and touring, supporting foreign policy, deepening relationships with foreign publics,and strengthening the U.S. creative economy. The visiting artists learn from their U.S. tours and share their experiences in their home communities, where they serve as role models and opinion leaders. To date, 24 ensembles from seven nations have toured the U.S. through Center Stage, reaching tens of thousands of Americans directly and millions of international fans through media and social media.

El Hawary will perform at the Dance Hall in Kittery Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.